Dorothy Murrell

Dorothy Mae Fields Murrell was born January 11, 1939 to George Fields, Sr, and Lucille Fields.  She departed this life on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the age of 82 in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones. Dorothy was born in Glade Springs, VA and moved to Gibsonville in 1968. She graduated from Douglas High School in Bristol, VA in 1957.  Immediately after graduation she married the love of her life Edward Murrell. They shared 34 years of a beautiful bond of love. This blissful union was blessed with seven children.  She is preceded in death by her husband, both her parents and siblings, George, Jr and James Fields.

Dorothy had been in church all her life.  When she moved to North Carolina, she joined Faith Baptist Church, Gibsonville, NC.  She was a Deaconess, Missionary, member of the Pastor’s Aide and former Sunday School Secretary.  Even though her health was declining, she continued to serve and attend church regularly.  She tried her best to never miss church meetings, Sunday School or Bible study up until COVID-19.  She absolutely loved her church family.  She devoted her life to serving the Lord.

When her health began to decline, she participated in PACE of the Triad.  She very much enjoyed participating in the various activities and crafts that PACE had to offer.  While at home, you could always catch her watching her favorite show, The Andy Griffith Show.  

Her memory will forever be cherished by those she left behind, Sylvia and Shelby of Burlington, William of Maryland, Michael of Virginia, Frances (Tonya), Kelley and Kathy of Gibsonville.  When she thought she was complete with her children, God blessed her with another son and daughter, Ron (Joy) and Sharon (Rick). Dorothy has three surviving siblings who will forever have her in their hearts: Ruth and William (Glenna) of Virginia, and  Mary of Florida. Dorothy has ten grandchildren: Marcus, Danielle, Steven, Tonya, Jonathan, Travis, April, Laquiveas, Mikail, and Jailyn. She also has 21 great-grandchildren: Nashawn, Essence, Brielle, Trenton, Jeremiah, Alexander, Jamahri, Savannah, Raelyn, Nia, Nathanial, Ah’Niyah, Khloe, Sullivan, Jai’Michael, Avery, Jace, Harlem, Carter, Kennedi, and Kaydence. Dorothy had a loving impact on a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. She touched the hearts of many throughout the community, with her fervent participation in church, as well as frequently being a caretaker to many young ones in the surrounding area throughout the years, cementing her role as matriarchal figure to many.

Shakespeare said it best when he penned the words, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” We can say the same when we say Dorothy, Dot, Dottie Mae, Grandma, Maw Maw, Mrs. Murrell, Mrs. Dorothy, Deaconess Murrell, Momma Murrell, sister, Aunt Dorothy, and on and on and on. No matter the name, she was still the same person and we love her very much!

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