A week ago, in God’s providences, our church, with some friends and family members, gathered to mark and memorialize the life of Vicki Murray, a lifelong member of Thompson Road Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Many who read this will not have known Vicki, but I think those of you who take the time to read this brief tribute may be blessed and inspired by it.
As retired pastor of TRBC, I still assist in funerals, usually with the eulogies, since older members of the church knew me, as did Vicki, as their pastor for forty years, and as their friend for even longer. Such was the case with Vicki’s family, her father and mother, Frank and Sandra.
The Murrays moved to Indianapolis when Vicki was just about a year old. They were from Big Stone Gap, Virginia; and when some of the coal mines in that area closed down, Frank and Sandra, with many others, moved to cities such as Indianapolis where they could find employment. Frank was hired by RCA and worked there until his retirement. He became a deacon at TRBC, and he and Sandy and Vicki all served their Lord through this local church until their eventual passing: Frank in 2013, Sandy in 2017, and Vicki the 23rd of this month, having just turned 68 years of age.
But, now, about Vicki. She attended Butler University here in the city, receiving both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, studying elementary education. She was hired by the Indianapolis Public Schools and worked, for most of her career, in School #34, with students in special education—same school, same job, pretty much the same room.
At church, she started out in our kindergarten Sunday School department working with my wife, but gradually moving up to our teen department, assisting one youth pastor after another as a youth worker/counsellor. She loved children and youth. She lived with her parents as a single adult and died, as some might say, an “old maid.” The three Murrays were a team for Christ, totally dedicated to Him through their local Church, always present, always active and involved.
As a person, she always had a warm smile and a positive word of greeting for all. I call it Vicki’s “signature smile.”
One of her best friends wrote, “What I remember about Vicki is her sweet caring ways and her love for the Lord. She was a soul winner.”
There was not a large crowd at her funeral service, so it was noticeable that in one or two pews, about four rows from the front, were maybe eight or nine ladies who were not known to our church family. We would learn that these women were retired teachers who at some time or other had worked with Vicki. Later that afternoon, following the funeral service, we saw this same group of ladies at a local restaurant seated at a large table, with an empty seat in the middle of the group. They requested of the hostess this empty seat for “Miss Vicki.”
Many tributes came in from people who learned of Vicki’s passing, some of which I want to share with you:
“Vicki helped me in so many ways as a new speech therapist at 34. She was the absolute kindest, most thoughtful person on this earth.”
“Vicki was the salt of the earth. She loved teaching and always put others first. Her love of young people was endless, and she performed nothing short of an angel who never gave up. We will long remember your loving of young children and your being willing to help and do anything to be of assistance.”
“I worked with Vicki when I was a special education coach in IPS. She truly loved her students. She was always positive.”
“I loved working with Vicki at School 34. No matter how she was feeling, she always had a smile and positive words. She was wonderful with all the students.”
And, from some of her fellow church members: “Such a kind, sweet spirit. She truly desired for everyone to know her Savior.” And, “Always a light when going to TRBC. One of the nicest people I got to meet.” Also, “I shall miss my dear friend. We spent many years together at church. She was a wonderful witness for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Finally, another wrote, “Vicki and I attended the same church for 48 years!”
And, Dr. Dennis Leatherman, longtime pastor of Mountain Lake Independent Baptist Church in Oakland, Maryland, who early in his ministry was youth pastor at our church, wrote: “ Shortly after my becoming youth pastor my wife and I were approached by Miss Vicki Murray about helping us in the youth program. I readily agreed, and Vicki became our piano player for Teen Sunday School and the midweek Teens Alive program. To say Vicki was a tremendous blessing would be a great understatement. Not only did she play the piano very well, she also helped with food, some counselling, and in various other ways. She had a great burden to reach the lost with the gospel, and was a constant source of encouragement to Kathy and me. Some words that come to mind when I think of Vicki: faithful (always in place), pleasant, kind, happy, encouraging, and I could go on and on. I am thankful that God brought Vicki and her parents into my life. Kathy and I will certainly miss her greatly.”
(Thank you Pastor Leatherman for that fitting tribute!)
Well, there you have it. A brief bio of one of the world’s little-known persons whose story will never make a book or movie, but whose life has touched for good countless thousands of people. Vicki has lived her life well, and her works will follow her.
“One life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” Selah.
YOU and GOD 