Carolyn Jones Murray, age 86, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 4, 2024, surrounded by her family at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. She was born in Johnston County on January 8, 1938, to the late Rhem T. and Ethel Bunn Jones. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Maria Murray; brother, R.T. Jones; and sisters, Josephine Capps, Veda Eason, Marjorie Eason, Rachel Babinec, Clara Struebig, Lou Goldman, and Patricia Taylor.

Carolyn was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her sweet smile and laughter always warmed everyone's heart. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading the Bible or a good book, and mastered crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed listening to "oldies" and gospel music. Watching her tap her little foot to the beat of her favorite music will always be a fond memory. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She went all out with decorations and festivities to make sure everyone felt special while making sure we remembered the reason for the season. Additionally, she loved her church family at Live Oak Baptist Church. She never missed an opportunity to share the message of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Carolyn grew up working on the family farm in Selma, North Carolina. After high school, she moved to Washington, DC to work for the CIA. While living in DC, she met and married her husband in 1957 when he served in the US Marine Corps. After leaving the military, they lived in several states including North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and eventually moved back to the family farm in North Carolina to raise their three children. She worked in office support positions at various locations over the years, including Sylvania, Fieldcrest, and the Town of Selma from which she retired.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Jerry C. Murray, Sr.; son, Jerry C. Murray, Jr. and wife Kim of Smithfield; daughter, Lisa Murray of Selma; sister, Shelby Spillare of Florida; grandchildren, Christina Davila, Rebekah Wilson (Jeffery), Jazz Davila (Barbara), Cameron Murray (Rachel), Rachel Murray, Justin Brown (Amber), Emily Murray, Jennifer Raymaker; great-grandchildren, Jarrell Holder, Josiah Davila, Liam Murray, Sawyer Murray, Cora Brown, Caden Murray, Eva Wilson, Lukas Wilson; brother-in-law, Elbert Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A special thank you is extended to the dedicated and compassionate team of healthcare professionals at UNC Health Johnston and the SECU Hospice House for the care and support provided to Carolyn and her family.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in the chapel at Parrish Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Selma Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Live Oak Baptist Church, 1555 Live Oak Church Rd., Selma, NC 27576 or SECU Hospice House, PO Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577. Due to SEVERE ALLERGIES to flowers, please donate instead of sending flowers.