Alta Joy Murrell

Alta Joy Murrell 83, of Bedford, went to her heavenly home on Friday, February 17, 2023. She was born in Greenville, Texas on September 23, 1939, to the late Almon T. Pope and Ollie Pearl Clark Pope. She is survived by her husband of 63 years Lee A. Murrell. She was a devoted mother to 3 children, Mark A Murrell (Susan) of North Richland Hills, Karen L. Doane of Houston, and Chad A. Murrell (Stephanie) of Bedford. She was a beloved grandmother affectionately known as "Mamaw" to Courtney Acuff (Matt), Daniel Martinez (Krystal), Logan and Layton Murrell, and great-grandmother to Benjamin, Amelia, and Maggie Acuff, and Nathaniel and Eli Martinez. She is also survived by her siblings, Dorothy, Rachel, Leon, and Jerry as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joy was a homemaker when her children were young and then worked for Hurst Bowl for 25 years and served as the General Manager for the last 8 years of her employment before retiring in 2010. She loved to bowl and was a league bowler for many years. After retiring she continued to bowl and was a league secretary. She was an avid sports fan and always enjoyed watching football, baseball, and basketball.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Billy, Irene, James, Betty, Iva Jean, Jimmy, and Ella Faye. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family but always be remembered in their hearts and loved forever. 

We knew little that morning that God was to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death, we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide. and though we cannot see you, you will always be by our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems to be the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. 

- Unknown