Minister Doris Ann Tate-Murry

The sun set gently on the life of Minister Doris Ann Tate Murry on August 2, 2025, as she exchanged time for eternity surrounded by her loving family. A woman of grace, strength, style, and immeasurable love, Doris lived 76 full and faithful years each one marked by a servant’s heart, a sweet spirit, and an unshakable love for God. Born on July 3, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan, Doris was the second of three children born to Jerry Sr. and Helen Tate. She graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1967, and embarked on a life journey defined by devotion to her faith, her family, and her community. Doris married the love of her life, John H. Murry Sr., on September 14, 1968, at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. The two built a beautiful family rooted in faith, laughter, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, adoring grandmother, caring sister, beloved aunt, and cherished friend to many. Her home was a haven of warmth, food, and fellowship, always open, always welcoming, and always filled with music and joy. Professionally, Doris brought light and diligence to her roles at Dow Chemical, Wickes Corporation, Second National Bank, and later as a devoted childcare provider through her home daycare. But her greatest ministry was in how she lived: a real Woman of God, a radiant example of Proverbs 31, a virtuous woman who served her church, her family, and her community with humility and strength. A long-time member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Doris served faithfully on the Usher Board and later answered the call to ministry and was ordained under the leadership of Pastor Thomas J. London, November 25, 2007. She preached with power, prayed with purpose, and lived her life as a reflection of Christ’s love. She was a prayer warrior, a spiritual encourager, and had a listening ear. Her words had a way of lifting burdens, her smile had a way of lighting rooms, and her hugs could fix nearly anything. Doris was a woman of many passions. She was a fabulous cook, always preparing big meals that brought the family together. She loved to travel with her daughters, always packed with style and grace, with her hair and nails done just right. She read often, shopped well, and never missed an opportunity to speak a kind word. She enjoyed bowling, was a loyal viewer of MSNBC and CNN, and would light up when discussing politics, especially when Joy Reid was on the screen. Welcoming, witty, wise, and wonderful, Doris was the kind of friend everyone prayed to have. She motivated others with her testimony and uplifted others with her laughter. She truly was simply beautiful inside and out. Doris fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished her race with elegance and dignity. Her impact will be felt for generations, and her memory will be cherished deeply. Heaven has surely gained a jewel, and though we mourn, we rejoice knowing she is now at rest in the arms of the Savior she loved so dearly. Doris will always be remembered by her four children, Nakita Murry, Atlanta, GA, Nicole Murry, Saginaw, MI, John H. Murry, Jr., Nashville TN, NaTosha Murry, Detroit, MI; two grandchildren, Azaria and Atierah Murry; brothers, Jerry Jr. and Charles Tate, both of Saginaw, MI; brothers-in-law, Johnny Ray Murry, Rufus (Terri) Braggs, Rev. Isiah Skipper, Jr., Jerry (Anita) Skipper; sisters-in-law, Norma (Larry) Walker, Beverly Ann (Ronald) Coleman, Dorothy (Andrew) Farley; many nieces, nephews and cousins; the entire Haines, Lee, Champion, Tate, Murry, Pendleton and Skipper families. She also leaves behind her beloved god-children, Shantaria Smith, Br’Ana Speight, Jennifer Copeland, Jeffrey Toliver, Joseph Lowery, LaShon Castel and many others; extended family, church family, and a host of dear friends, including special friends, Wilmer Ham McZee, Barbara Sane, Dorothy Burch, Yvonne Cooper and Lavata Taylor as well as special cousins, Deborah Champion and Kimberly Skipper-Davis, all of whom will carry her love with them always. The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Joanne Bloom, for the compassionate care and support. Doris was preceded by her husband of 51 years, Deacon John H. Murry, Sr.; parents, Jerry and Helen Tate; brother, Larry Tate; father and mother-in-law, Isaiah Skipper, Sr. and Muryel Lee Murry; uncles, Billie, Jessie James, and Tom Haines, Willie, Millon, Judge Tate, and Abdur-Rahim Rashada; aunts, Jennie Lee, Ruth Mae Bell, Sydonia Fox, Fannie Jenkins and Sadie Moore; brothers-in-law, Deacon Willie Murry and Richard Jones; sisters-in-law, Rose Mary Jones and Frances Murry; special nephew, Zachary Ryan Abby; god-daughter, Tamisha (Shon Carroll) and special friend, Barbara Tolliver. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 810 Cathay Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Blake Strozier will officiate with interment in Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the church.

Minister Doris Ann Tate-Murry

July 3, 1949 - August 2, 2025