Mary Jane Murray

Mary Jane Kitchens Murray, age 86, of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Mary Jane was born on June 18, 1940, in Americus, Georgia, to Lester and Imogene Kitchens. Americus was home throughout her childhood, and she attended school there from first grade through high school. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of hot Georgia summer days spent swimming in the pool with her sister Nancy. Mary Jane loved to dance and was voted “Best Dancer” by her senior class, a distinction that reflected the fun and spirited side of her personality. During her high school years, she also shared a close friendship with her best friend, Carolyn McCray, and the two made many memories together.

Matt and Mary Jane’s story began long before they became husband and wife. They knew one another as children through Bible school, and in the seventh grade, Mary Jane sat right in front of Matt in class. Their paths brought them back together when they were 18 years old, and they began dating in the early summer of 1958. After 21 months of dating, they were married on March 25, 1960. Together, they built a life filled with family, love, faith, and adventure.

One of their greatest joys was traveling together in their camper. Over the years, Mary Jane and Matt spent countless hours on the road, visiting new places, taking in the scenery, and making memories along the way. Those trips became a treasured part of their life together and reflected not only Mary Jane’s love of travel, but also how much she simply enjoyed being by Matt’s side.

Faith was a foundation of Mary Jane’s life and an important part of who she was. She was a member of Cleveland First Baptist Church, and her faith guided the way she lived, loved, and cared for others. It was something those who knew her recognized in her, and it remained a constant throughout her life.

Mary Jane also dedicated her life to caring for and teaching others through a career in nursing that touched the lives of both her patients and her students. She earned her nursing degree from Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Georgia, where she earned her BSN and began her career caring for patients at Sumter County Hospital and Upson County Hospital in Thomston, Ga. She later brought her knowledge and experience into the classroom, teaching nursing at Upson County Tech and Gwinnett Tech in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Through both nursing and education, Mary Jane devoted her career to serving others and preparing future generations of nurses to do the same.

Affectionately known as “Mimi” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mary Jane’s family held a special place in her heart. She treasured time spent with those she loved, whether through family gatherings, shared traditions, or the simple everyday moments that became cherished memories.

Mary Jane also loved bird watching and found great joy in watching the birds that visited her home. She kept numerous bird feeders and especially enjoyed watching the hummingbirds come and go.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Matt Murray; her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Dennis Hill; her grandsons, Matthew (Athena) Hill, Michael (Amanda) Hill, and Mackenzie (Michaela) Hill; and her great-grandchildren, Easton, Emerson, Paxton, Brooklynn, Aubrey, Grant, Maya, Lane, Evelyn, and Ethan. She is also survived by her brother, David (Barbara) Kitchens, along with many other family members and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Imogene Kitchens, and her sisters, Peggy Killinger and Nancy Hunt.

Visitation will be held on August 18, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, Georgia. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Cleveland First Baptist Church in Mary Jane’s memory.

Mary Jane’s family will forever cherish the love, faith, and memories she shared with them as their beloved Mimi, from family gatherings and everyday moments to the many miles and adventures she shared with Matt.