Mary Lou Murphy Gray, age 81, of Springfield, died in her home on October 29, in the arms of her husband, Jim Gray, after she lost her battle with cancer. A life-long member of the Springfield community, she worked for 14 years as a payroll accountant with the Frisco Railroad. When not working, she was a devoted homemaker and pupil of Religious Studies at SMSU. As a member for 62 years of the East Sunshine Church of Christ, she taught Sunday school, Ladies’ Bible Class, and participated in the church’s community outreach programs. She considered the members of the church to be her extended family, and she will be sorely missed by them. The daughter of James Mobley and Beulah Killion Mobley, Mary Lou was born November 6, 1927. In 1946, she married returning World War II veteran, Bill R. Murphy, and with him had two daughters, Marsha Murphy and Siouxzy Murphy. Bill predeceased her in November of 1979. In 1985, she married Attorney James P. Gray, who survives her today. In addition to Jim, Marsha and Siouxzy, she is survived by her sons-in-law, Robert Morantz and Gerry Miller; her step-daughter, Pam O’Reilly; her grandchildren, Rebekah Veach and Rachel Murphy Ludwick; her step-grandchildren, Alison Morantz and Jessica Billowitz; her sisters, Betty Cass and Maxine Cowan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Those who loved her mourn her passing but celebrate her life. A gracious lady, Mary Lou was a person who abundantly gave of herself to her community, friends and family. She was beautiful, compassionate, courageous and wise. She always found the best in others, and with her life succeeded in making the world a better place. It is with great sadness that we let her go. Funeral services will be held in East Sunshine Church of Christ, 3721 E. Sunshine, on Monday, November 2, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in National Cemetery under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East.