Sister Mary Cyril Murray

Sister Mary Cyril Murray, a Sister of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, died March 28, 2024. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Sister Mary Cyril, formerly Mary Elizabeth Murray, was born in Flushing, NY on September 28, 1933, to John Peter and Margaret Mary Redden Murray. A graduate of Dominican Academy, New York City, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Master of Arts degree in Administration from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Sister also earned a certificate in Gerontology from St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana.

Sister Mary Cyril entered the convent on August 15, 1951. She professed her first vows on April 19, 1954, and perpetual vows April 19, 1957. Sister Mary Cyril became an educator beginning as a teacher and later served as Principal in various Catholic Schools of the Dioceses of Charleston, SC and Trenton, New Jersey. Sister also served as Supervisor of Elementary Schools in the Diocese of Charleston, SC. Sister was also a staff member of the City Orphan Home for eight years. Following thirty-eight years in the education ministry, Sister Mary Cyril became Director of Senior Ministry at Christ Our King Parish, Mt. Pleasant, SC and served there for twenty years.

Sister Mary Cyril held various offices of leadership for her community. She served as a local superior in several community convents, was a member of the General Council for sixteen years and was the General Secretary for four years. Sister also served on the Board of Directors at St. Francis Xavier Hospital.

Throughout her years of service, Sister received many awards for her contributions to the civic community including Notre Dame Woman of the Year, Charleston Chapter, Low Country Senior Network Advocate of the Year-2005, Sandpiper Retirement Center 2006 Community Service Award, Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award 2007, SC Aging in Place Coalition Senior Volunteer Award, 2011

Sister was predeceased by her parents. One of eleven children, her sisters Sr. Marie Andre Murray OP, Margaret English, and Mary Catherine Murray predeceased her as well as her brothers, Rev. John Murray, M. Afr, Edward Murray (Sr. Anne’s twin), Thomas Murray, James Murray and her cousin, Dave Murray, who lived with the family like a brother. She is survived by her sister, Sister Anne Murray, OP, and her brother Joseph Murray, nieces, nephews, cousins and her sisters in Community, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Center, PO Box 607, Johns Island, SC 29457.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.