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MURRAY

April 23, 1949 – June 05, 2021

Linda Diane Gray Murray, 72, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 5, 2021, after a long bout with illness. She was the daughter of Luther and Evalia Gray, who preceded her in death; and the sister of Luther Stephens (Norwatha) Gray of New Orleans. For 48 years, Linda was the devoted wife of the Honorable Leonard Murray, currently Circuit Judge of Cook County. She was the proud mother of Malik Todd Murray, Kai Leone Murray, Kamau Leon (Jennifer) Murray, and Nubia Regina Murray (Brian) Davis; and she was the loving grandmother of Zarah, Zanea, and Ramik Spencer; and Brooke, Kenneth, and Grant Murray. For over 40 years, Linda spent her career as a veteran educator in Chicago Public Schools, with a majority of those years at Hyde Park Academy on Chicago’s Southside. She had a passion for teaching Sociology, Psychology, and World History, with an emphasis on African American History. As the winningest coach in the history of the famed TV competition, Know Your Heritage, she and her student teams were 15-time Champions. While at Hyde Park Academy, Linda earned a Master’s degree in History from Chicago State University, and a second Master’s degree in Educational Supervision and Administration from Governors State University. This enabled her to rise up through the ranks from social studies teacher, to department chair, to counselor, and on to her final position as assistant principal, until her retirement in 2011. Linda loved to create and lead innovative community initiatives to benefit the public at large. In the late 60s, while at the University of Illinois, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Education, she started the Black Student Association. As a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she helped start their Black Arts Fair, better known as Gallery D’Estee. For over two decades, Linda also supported the Africa International House, helping to execute the African Festival of the Arts, held every Labor Day Weekend in Washington Park. Linda was a faithful member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, serving in the Women’s Club, the Investment Club, and led their time capsule preservation initiative. In addition to her passion for African Art, Linda’s prized possession was her garden, which she nurtured throughout the spring and summer months. Linda will be remembered for her love of family, her strong faith, high-intellect, resourcefulness, quick wit, charisma and her endless support of her friends and colleagues. Linda’s memorial services will be held Thursday, June 24th – Saturday, June 26th at St. Josephine Bakhita Church, 2132 E. 72nd Street. Visit www.LindaMurrayMemorial.com for more details

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