Dr. Geneva Williams Murray of Richmond, Virginia, departed this life on Monday, December 27, 2021. Geneva who was “affectionately called Gen” was born to Thomas and Carola Williams Jr. on July 30, 1934. She married the late William E. Murray, Jr. on September 1, 1956. She was graduated from Virginia Union University and worked at Consolidated Bank and Trust for a brief period. Geneva started her professional career with Henrico County Public Schools. Her career path led her to secure a Master’s in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Doctorate in Education from NOVA Southeastern University.

During her tenure of 38 years with Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS), she taught elementary school and moved into a leadership position as an elementary supervisor concentrating on the teaching and delivery of science content. After Gen retired from HCPS, she accepted a position to support the teachers and leaders of Whitcomb Court Elementary School with Richmond City Public Schools (RPS).

Gen enjoyed activities outside of the educational realm. She enjoyed playing Pinochle and a group of ladies created a Pinochle club that lasted over 50 years. Gen was best known for her fishing, gardening, cooking, and canning skills. Gen had several gardens in the county of Henrico and one in her backyard. She loved fishing and made this a competition with everyone on the boat. She loved to cook and was known for her delicious fried chicken.

Gen enjoyed her membership and participation with Treble Clef Book Lover’s Club. She was also assigned the task of creating the annual Christmas Celebration invitations.

Gen was a devout member of Garland Avenue Baptist Church where she served on the Board of Trustees for several years, but her greatest fulfillment was serving as Chair of the Hospitality Committee. She enjoyed securing food from various locations, deciding on food prep and delivery. In all assignments, whether at work, church, or home, Gen was the “crank” that got people on board to complete the assigned mission.

On December 26, 2021, while waiting for her transport to the hospital Gen wanted to play a hand of Spades; therefore that is exactly what was done prior to her departure.

Gen was proceeded in death by her husband, William E. Murray; her brothers, Avon and James Williams; her sisters, Thomasina Bostic and Leola Jacobs. She is survived by her daughters Carolyn Montgomery (Paul), and Marilyn Royal; one grandson, Donald-William Murray Hinson (Melissa), a brother, Kenneth Williams; a nephew, Alonza Murray (Dana) who is considered a son after the death of his mother; two sisters-in-law, Lucille M. Brown and Delores S. Murray; a host of nieces and nephews living in North and South Carolina, Richmond, and New York; along with other relatives and friends; three devoted caretakes who provided excellent service, Ms. Deborah Bryant, Ms. Shaelynn Kinney (Kinney and Company), Ms. Tamara Smith, and At Home Care Nursing and Therapy Services; and Gen’s most cherished four-legged partner, Gabby, who held true to her duty of monitoring the service of the caregivers.

Her remains will rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd Park Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, 23222. Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Boulevard on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, 2700 Garland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, 23222, with Dr. Jeffery Smith officiating. Interment services at Riverview Cemetery. The family of Geneva Murray extends sincere thanks to Drs. Jiho-Han and David Galligan with Virginia Cardiovascular Specialist (VSC), for their outstanding care for over the past 20 years.