Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Murdaugh (née Murray), was born on February 17, 1920 in Estill, South Carolina to the late Beauregard and Winnie Lee Francis Murray. She was the fourth of five daughters. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Josephine “Pete” Riley, Catherine “Cat” Wallace, Rosetta “Tutsie” Williams, and Lucille “Cille” Taylor who was the eldest of the siblings and was 100 years old when she was laid to rest on August 18, 2013. Mother Murdaugh was called to her eternal rest at the age of 93 on Wednesday, October 2, 2013.
Dorothy spent a portion of her childhood in Savannah, GA under that guardianship of her aunt, Mrs. Julia Dudley. She attended the Estill Technical School. Soon after completing the 8th grade, Dorothy halted her education in order to work so she could help provide financial support to the family. It was during these early teenage years in South Carolina that she began to develop into an accomplished cook and highly-skilled seamstress.
On April 7, 1939, her beautiful daughter Mary Ann was born. By this time, the young mother was living and working within Beaufort County. The beautiful and popular Murray sisters were grown and raising their own families, and although there were the challenges of the times (WWII, Jim Crow) the sisters remained close and supportive through faith, a strong work ethic, and dedication to family and community.
While living in Hardeeville, SC, a family friend introduced her to a handsome young soldier from Miley, SC who was visiting relatives while on Leave. Dorothy and Henry Murdaugh, Jr. (affectionately called “Junior” by family and friends) were married on November 30, 1942. In 1946 Dorothy and her family moved to the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY, joining her older sister “Cat” and baby sister “Tutsie” and their families and several other relatives who had migrated from the south. Mrs. Murdaugh was employed as a seamstress at the Well-Made Bloomer Company for several years after which she stopped in order to become a homemaker. Her husband of 39 years preceded her in death. After her husband’s death Dorothy returned to the south and resided in Savannah and Estill for several years before returning to Brooklyn permanently to live with her daughter.
Dorothy had a solid Christian foundation, but it was at an evening Tent Revival that 35 year old Dorothy found true salvation in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She often described it as the pivotal point of her life.
For over 50 years, Mother Murdaugh was an active and faithful member in good standing of New Testament Church of God (Brooklyn, NY), where over the course of the years she served as a Deaconness, a Sunday School Teacher, and an Usher. During her few years in Estill, she was a member of the Church of God, Varnville, where she served as an Usher.
Mother Murdaugh loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind. Her faith was unwavering and the joy of knowing the Lord emanated from within. She was a true prayer warrior and possessed amazing knowledge and understanding of the bible. She was a true believer, and faithful servant. She was gracious and humble. She was grateful for the life she lived and the experiences along her journey. When asked how she was feeling, most often her reply would be: “Well darlin’, as the song says, I Won’t Complain.” Mother Murdaugh was a woman of God who was genuinely kind and compassionate with a beyond-generous and peaceful spirit. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories and continue her legacy of faith, love and kindness: her daughter Maryanne McClain; granddaughter Lisa McClain-Freeney, SPHR; granddaughter-in-law Dionne McClain-Freeney; niece Antoinette “Toanie” Foster; 2 brothers-in-law Dea. Edward Murdaugh (Dorothy) and Dea. Theodore Murdaugh (Betty); a host of nieces and nephews; several “adopted grandchildren”; “adopted god-daughter” Janet Small; and her beloved New Testament Church of God Family and Church of God, Varnville Family.
Lovingly Submitted By the Family
