Hazel Lee Foster Murray

Hazel Lee Foster Murray
August 26, 1941 – November 14, 2024

Hazel “Lee” Foster Murray, 83, of Zebulon, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024. She was born August 26, 1941, in Onslow County, to the late Nathaniel Foster and Hazel Swinson Foster.

Lee was a graduate of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, where she developed a lifelong love for learning and reading. She later attended Kings College, earning a business degree and beginning a career that reflected her dedication, hard work, and compassion. Lee worked as a transcriptionist for various insurance companies and operated a daycare out of her home for many years, caring for countless children and leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A gifted musician, Lee loved playing the piano and singing in her church choir, where her beautiful voice and deep faith inspired those around her. In her leisure time, she enjoyed completing word searches in braille and reading books in braille whenever she could. Her love for animals, especially her beloved pup, Sparky, brought her great joy, and she was always surrounded by love from her family, friends, and the many children whose lives she touched.

Lee is survived by her brother, Clarence Foster; sisters, Ida F. (Gene) Hammett, Kathy (Johnny) Smith, and Shelby Foster. She is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Lee is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Max Walter Murray; brothers, Frank Foster and Nathaniel “Buddy” Foster; sister, Hilda Carney; and sister-in-law, Nesta Faye Foster.

A visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third Street, Wendell, NC 27591, with a funeral service starting immediately at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 W Gannon Ave, Zebulon, NC 27597.

Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com