Margaret Reynolds James Murray, age 94, passed away on January 6, 2024 in Forest, MS.

Born on February 19, 1929, in Rose Hill, MS, she was the daughter of John Harold Reynolds

and Luna Moulds Reynolds.

Margaret was blessed with a long and vibrant life, filled with cherished family, friends and

adventures. Raised in Jasper County, MS, she later made her home in Newton, MS with her

first husband, Robert E. James Sr., and their four children. Here, she was not only integral to

her husband's business but also excelled as an entrepreneur with her own beauty salon. Her life

in Newton was enriched with lifelong friendships, family, travel and her love of bridge. She lived

there until her husband's death in 1995.

The final decades of her life were spent in Meridian, MS, where she embraced retirement

alongside her second husband, Emmett Murray. These years were marked by travel, leisure

and family gatherings as much as possible. Her commitment to faith was evident in her long-

standing membership with the United Methodist Church.

Margaret's legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched. Her warmth,

strength, and kindness will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who

knew her.

Surviving Margaret is her husband, Emmett Murray of Meridian, MS; her children and

stepchildren: Kaye Valentine (Bubba) of Laurel, MS, Cindy Pagan (Jim) of Pearl, MS, Robbie

Sue Harrell (Gayle) of Forest, MS, Robert E. James Jr. (Lorie) of Fort Worth, TX, and Benny

Murray (Starla) of Meridian, MS. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and step-

grandchildren: Jessica Harrell Keifer (Tom) of Carthage, MS, Tiffany Triplett Henkel (Dan) of

New York, NY, Traci Triplett Thoms of Brandon, MS, Heather Valentine Ball (Brent) of Laurel,

MS, Celia James Hawthorne of Lake, MS, Trevor Harrell (Kayla) of Brandon, MS, Hunter Harrell

of Forest, MS, Allen Durham of Austin, TX, Jason Murray of Dallas, TX, and Justin Murray

(Missy) of Meridian, MS; along with 15 great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and

numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Margaret was preceded in death by her first husband; her parents; siblings Ben (B.H.)

Reynolds, Marie Boyette, Johnnie Ruth Crimm, and Harold Reynolds; her stepson, David

Murray (Pat); and step-grandson, Roger Murray.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm with funeral service at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024

at Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton.

Graveside service will follow at the Masonic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Trevor Harrell, Hunter Harrell, John Pat Reynolds, Allen Durham,  Bruce

James, and Justin Murray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Margaret can be made to

Newton United Methodist Church.