Genevieve Elizabeth “Libby” Lee (Hilton) Murray was called by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to enter through the gates of Heaven, at 7:15 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2025. She was surrounded by her family and close friends during the last week of her life in the Palliative Care Unit at Carillion Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA, following a cardiac arrest suffered earlier in the week. She was 91 years young.
Libby was a lifelong resident of White Sulphur Springs, WV. She was born on Mar. 9, 1934, to Robert Wesley (Wes) Hilton and Eula “Lottie” (Mines) Hilton, in White Sulphur Springs. She was the fifth of six children born to that union. Libby was a 1952 graduate of White Sulphur Springs High School where she enjoyed playing basketball. A beautiful young woman, she was selected by her peers as a member of the High School Homecoming Queen Court her Senior Year.
Libby grew up on a farm owned by her parents, located on Alvon Road, a few miles outside of White Sulphur Springs. During her childhood and formative years, the country was just beginning to recover from the Great Depression. During this period of her life, Libby learned much about the importance of Christian faith, family, friends, giving of herself and sharing with others. Her early responsibilities on the family farm made her industrious, self-reliant, and resilient. Libby embodied these lasting values throughout her life.
As told by Libby to her children, at age 17, she met a “very handsome” man, Donald William Murray. Donald was a young Army veteran who had served the nation under Patton’s 3rd Armored Division during World War II. They were married on Dec. 27, 1952.
After her marriage, Libby worked at Burlington Industries, as did her husband, until he left for a career in banking at The Bank of White Sulphur Springs, where he retired as Vice President in the mid-1990’s. She and Donald were members of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in White Sulphur Springs, where they raised their children in the faith. Libby taught Sunday School for many years there and Donald served on the church’s administrative board until his passing.
During the 1960’s and 1970’s, Libby served as a Federal Correctional Officer and Counselor at The Federal Reformatory for Women, in Alderson, WV. She retired from federal service in the 1980’s. During her delicious, home-cooked family meals, she would often recount the tragedy and heartbreak she encountered in her work with many of the women residents at Alderson, especially the horrors of drug addiction and abuse. These were powerful teaching moments for her children and others who heard her speak. Libby’s approach of offering hope and assurance to the women in her care reflected her compassionate and supportive approach to others in need of help. These were hallmarks of her core being as a person, as everyone that knew her will joyfully attest. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly blessed by the love, patience, and care given to them by Libby, leaving many fond memories for each of them.
Libby was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Donald William Murray, Sr. who passed in 2000. She was predeceased by all her siblings: Robert, Wilbur, Isaac, James (Jimmy), and Darlene. Libby is survived by her son, Dr. Donald William Murray, Jr., (Denise), Nashville, TN. She is also survived by her daughters, Elivia Lee (Liv) Suttle (Daniel) of Lost Creek, WV, and Lisa Nathalie Ward (Norm) of Yukon, OK. She is survived by five grandchildren, Christopher Suttle (Mara) of Lost Creek, WV; Reagan Rene Glover, MA, CPA, (Blake), Plano, TX; Donald William Murray III, MBA, MHA (Katie), of Nashville, TN; Ryan Ward, Yukon, OK; and Khaldun Santos. She is further survived by four great-grandchildren, Gail Grace Glover (11) and George William Glover, (9) Plano, TX; and Mia Mae Murray (2) and newly born Madison Denise Murray (4 weeks), of Nashville, TN. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their family members who remained very close to Libby throughout her life.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to her many friends and neighbors over the years. They are especially indebted to Mike and Connie Rich (niece); Angie Bostic (niece); Richard Burdette; Eric and Missy Burdette; Shelia Leslie; Missy (niece), Joe and Megan Milam, and her dear friend and close companion, Shelly Weikle. Each of you were angels by Libby’s side these past several years when she was in need. You brought sunshine into her life on an almost daily basis, something she surely returned to you.
Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 am Friday, July 11, 2025, at Wallace and Wallace in White Sulphur Springs. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, at the same location.
Immediately afterwards, a graveside service will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs.
Funeral arrangements are being managed by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, located at 175 Mountain Avenue, White Sulphur Springs, WV, 24986. Telephone (304) 536-1313.
In lieu of donations in her memory, her family simply asks that you engage in a random act of kindness and love toward another person this week. Libby will love that.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
