Barbara Jean Murray

Reverend Barbara Murray, age 84, of Columbus, Ohio, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on May 10, 2025.

Her life was a shining example of faith, compassion, and dedication to serving God and others.

Barbara's deep commitment to ministry and her love for people were evident in all she did. She had a vibrant spirit and a heart full of grace, spending her life helping, guiding, and inspiring those around her. She especially cherished time spent with her family and friends.

Her many interests reflected her creative and curious nature. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, cake decorating, traveling, learning, reading, and watching movies. 

Barbara also devoted countless hours to volunteer work, always seeking ways to make a difference in the lives of others.

Barbara attended Central High School, Class of 1958, and later Defiance College, Class of 1989. She went on to earn her Master of Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1993 and was ordained in 1994 at St. John’s. Before and during her ministry, she served her community in many ways, including her early work as a school bus driver for Southwestern City Schools.

Her ministry took her across the country, including service in Huntington, WV; Jamestown, Hebron, and Judd, ND; Spearfish, SD; and various locations throughout Ohio, including Baltimore, Lancaster, and Mount Vernon. She also served as a chaplain in Wichita, KS.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Medrith Williams; her brothers, Jim and Joe Williams;her sister, Nancy Chandler; and her son, Jeff Murray.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Tami (Jeff) Baughman, Jill Murray, Natalie (Will) Presley, and Doug Murray;her Grandchildren: Amaris (TJ) Tirey, Miranda (Wayne) Robison, Todd (Danielle) Darby, Nick (Jen) Baughman, Stephanie Harr, Brittany (Tommy) O'Brien, Brandon (Hannah) Presley, Cannon Murray, Utah Murray, Noah (Madison) Murray, Raechel (Brian) Markham, Lydia (Mike) Morris, and Doug Reed; and by her 23 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Grove City, Ohio, on May 23, 2025.Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with a service to follow at 5:00 PM, officiated by Rev. John Cramton.Barbara’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in all who knew her.