Vera Lois Murray October 29, 1940 – March 27, 2026

Vera Lois Murray, 85, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born on October 29, 1940, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Spurgeon Wilkerson and Artie Edith Johnson Wilkerson.

Vera was united in marriage to Jim Murray on July 16, 1960, in Harrison, Arkansas, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. She attended Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Throughout her life, she and Jim lived in several communities throughout Missouri, most recently living at Mission Ridge Senior Living in Springfield, Missouri.

Vera had a true gift for hospitality, and her home was always open to friends and family alike. She was a wonderful cook who delighted in gathering people around her table, and her gracious, loving spirit made every guest feel warmly welcome.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Murray; three children, Bruce (Barbara) Murray of Houston, Texas, Ruth (Allin) Sorenson of Springfield, Missouri, and Douglas (Julie) Murray of Van Buren, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Deanna Sorenson of St. Louis, Missouri, Lora (Josh) Anderson of Kansas City, Missouri, Scott Murray of Houston, Texas, and Sarah Murray of London, England; and her brother, Samuel Wilkerson of Licking, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her sister, Anna Beth Wilkerson Phillips, as well as her parents. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison, Arkansas, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Care to Learn (caretolearn.org) or Ozark Food Harvest (ozarksfoodharvest.org).

Arrangements are under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri (gormanscharpf.com).