Brenda Jean (Lea) Murray

Brenda Jean Murray, nee Lea, was born on Thursday, January 20, 1955, to Lloyd Earnest Lea and Helen Ethel Lea, nee Gray.  She passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Meramec Nursing Center in Sullivan, MO, at the age of 71 years, 2 months and 10 days.

Brenda grew up attending school in Cherryville and Viburnum. She married the love of her life, Tommy “Tom” Dale Murray, on July 7, 1973, and together they raised two sons, Mike and Brian. She worked as a cook at Spare Rib and later at Sew On and On in Steelville. Brenda gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized by Rev. Jerry Beers.

Brenda found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved camping trips with her family—whether at Little St. Louis, Branson, or the Lake of the Ozarks. She enjoyed traveling, staying in hotels, and listening to old country music. She especially loved going to singings.  Brenda loved gathering with family and friends, often at Spare Rib, and her sense of humor brought smiles to those around her. She especially enjoyed playing bingo and traveling with her sisters to play, even going as far as Oklahoma.

Above all, Brenda cherished time with her family. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Lea; mother, Helen (Robert “Bob”) Frances; husband, Tom Murray; parents-in-law, Harold and Helen Murray; siblings, Dennis (Linda) Lea, Barbara Parker, Doris (Kenny) Green and kid sister, Judy Lea; brother-in-law, Harold “Eddie” Murray.

She is survived by her sons,  Mike (Jenny) Murray and Brian Murray both of Steelville, MO; grandchildren, Jordan Murray, Brianna Murray (fiancé Jacob Long), Josh Murray, Keith Murray and Brandon (Aakkhir) Murray; great granddaughter, Aurora Murray; brother, Eugene (Paula) Lea of Steelville, MO; brothers-in-law, JR Parker of Steelville, MO, Billy Ray (Christine) Murray of Kansas City, MO and Jack (Sharyn) Murray of St. Charles, MO; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was from 6 PM - 8 PM on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.  Funeral Service was at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Hutson Funeral Service in Steelville, MO, with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.  Burial was at Steelville Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO. 

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