Margie Ruth Thomas Murchison

Margie Ruth Thomas Murchison passed away on March 29, 2024 at the age of 95. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 3:00 PM at Buffalo Church Cemetery.

Margie was born to Decie Barber Thomas and John E. Thomas on November 22, 1928. She was the sixth of ten children and the youngest girl. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles E. Murchison, her son Charles T. Murchison, one grandson, Marty Murchison, her sisters, Dorothy Hunter, Mildred Flaherty Bowers, Ruby Hodgson, and her brothers, Fred, Harry, Joe, Bill, John, and Pat.

She is survived by her three daughters all of Sanford: Sandra Mauldin (Sam), Cynthia Douglas (Ralph), Jan Barbour (Mike), nine grandchildren: Mitch Mauldin (Reba) of Carthage, Phillip Mauldin (Sheila) of Mount Airy, Scott Mauldin (Dana) of Sanford, Chris Douglas (Genelle) of Sanford, Amanda Johnson (Travis) of Randleman, Natalie Templeton (Matt) of Southern Pines, Dana Hamm (Scott) of Ohio, Lori Slifer (Scott) of Cary, Sonya Smith (James) of Cameron, nineteen great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, two step-great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Margie grew up in Lee County and attended Greenwood School. Later, her parents moved the family to Goldston. Upon graduation from Goldston High School, she joined her sisters for six months in Washington, DC, working for the Justice Department. She returned home and married Charles in November 1947. By 1956, they had four children. After Charles’ death in 1961, Margie continued to work and balance the demands of holding a job and caring for her children.

She had a job at Roberts Company, checking spindles for several years. Then, she decided to return to school, earning an Associate degree in secretarial science from CCCC. Over the next few years, she worked at Cross & Brinn Real Estate, the Lee County Children’s Center, the Lee County Courthouse, and the local Conservative Presbyterian Association.

As her working years wound down, she completed the home health aide certification program. For a few years, she worked independently, providing in-home care for disabled clients.

Margie grew up during The Great Depression and had seen hard times. She didn’t waste anything and was very frugal with money. She had a garden every summer until she was in her late eighties. She canned as many of the vegetables as she could and made jams and jellies from the figs and grapes.

Her family Christmas dinners were elegant and very special. She’d go through lots of recipes to select just the right ones to prepare a gourmet meal. She adorned her tables with china, silverware, and candles, all set on her best tablecloths.

Margie was an avid reader. She also enjoyed sewing and had begun to quilt, but unfortunately, after she was diagnosed with glaucoma, she had to put that aside along with her books and other reading material.    

She didn’t care for Pilates or yoga, and she absolutely despised having to do physical therapy after a fall. She preferred to get her exercise by planting, weeding, and tending her flowers and vegetable garden, and insisted on mowing her yard with a push mower. Her approach to physical fitness served her well, as evidenced by her longevity. Margie was an inspiration to her entire family, and she will be sorely missed.

Margie’s family would like to sincerely thank Liberty Hospice Services and Sanford Senior Living staff for their caring assistance.