Mrs. Muriel VanBuren Battle, 88, of Phenix City, AL passed Sunday, February 20, 2022 in Phenix City, AL.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Phillips Temple C.M.E Church, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Gerald Rowe, pastor, officiating. Interment to follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens, Phenix City, AL. Visitation is Friday, February 25, 2022 from 11-5 p.m. EST.

Muriel Van Buren Battle, the daughter of Lawson J. and Estella Rochelle Williams Van Buren was born July 12, 1933, in Smiths Station, Alabama.

Preceded her in death is her sister Delores D. Davis and her favorite aunt Thelma “Baby Doll” Wilson.

Muriel was a devoted member of Phillips Temple CME Church all her life. As a member she started serving on the usher board then continued working diligently on various church ministries such as Women’s Missionary Council, Steward Board, Church Treasurer, Food Service Ministry, Sunday School Board, Kids Café, Vacation Bible School and Transportation and was instrumental in opening D.W. Bass CME Church.

Muriel graduated from Howard High School in Chattanooga, TN and continued her educational journey graduating with her Bachelor’s in Home Economics from Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL c/o 1957, and her Master’s degree and Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education from Troy State University, Phenix City, AL.

Muriel retired after almost 30 years from teaching at various schools throughout the Phenix City area and received numerous awards and recognitions for all her dedicated service to the community and even becoming a foster parent to many children seeking a loving and caring home.

She was a loyal member of the Alabama A&M Alumni Association, a dedicated member of Alabama Educators Association (AEA), and a devoted member of the Russell County Democratic Association and Russell Co. Voters Registration.

Muriel is cherished in memory by her sister Ruth A. Williams (Lee) of Los Angeles, CA; children - Kelvin R. Kidd (Charlotta) of Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX, Kita Battle-Bryant (Sherman) and Kernice Battle-Jones (Eddie), Albany, GA; bonus daughter – Marissa Battle Morgan (Jack), Houston, TX; grandchildren, Brian C. Kidd, Nina Kidd Washington, Kenicia L. Battle, Kellen L. Kidd, Kaleb S. Bryant, Keana L. Jones, Kyla S. Bryant, Kendall O. Kidd, Kayla A. Kidd and Kason L. Jones; great-grandchildren, Noah Kidd, Trey Washington, Reece Washington, Renzo Washington and Romelle Washington; great-great grandson, Kyson Kidd. Additionally, she was blessed with several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.