Obituary of Murriel Green

Murriel Elaine Green, 96, passed away August 19, 2010 in Idabel, Oklahoma. She was born December 20, 1913 in Billstown, Arkansas, a small community in Pike County. Murriel was one of ten children born to Nathan Davis and Mauna Head Davis. She moved to McCurtain County in 1923 and remained here for the remainder of her life. Murriel attended Haworth High School where she was an outstanding student and athlete. While on the Haworth girls’ basketball team, she traveled to Oklahoma City to the state tournament, which was her first big trip and was able to stay at a fancy hotel. After graduation, Murriel attended Southeastern State College and received her teaching certificate. Murriel returned to McCurtain County and secured a teaching job in Tom, Oklahoma. While teaching in Tom, Murriel met and married Bynum Green, another teacher. They taught together, moved to Redland and began their family. In 1950, Bynum drowned in a boating accident at Beaver’s Bend. At the time, he was teaching and serving as basketball coach for Idabel High School. Murriel returned to teaching in Idabel and began the task of raising her three young children: Paula, Karen, and Jack. Over the years, Murriel Green made her mark on the community in many ways. As a teacher, she left quite an impression on her students because of her patience and loving kindness, as well as her strong-willed belief that all students are capable of learning, given the right opportunity. This she provided, and to the day that she died, her former students would meet her and comment about how she was ‘their favorite teacher.’ Murriel taught for almost 30 years in Idabel, with brief stints in Tulsa and Denver. In 1967, she retired early to take up her other passion: painting. She attended art classes and began producing many beautiful paintings, won several art contests, and sold many paintings which today grace homes and businesses throughout the county. Murriel also was involved with various volunteer organizations, including the hospital auxiliary team where she worked for several years. Murriel was known for her kindness. When tragedy and sorrow would come into others’ lives, she would be first on the scene and last to leave, often bringing along her famous poppyseed bread or peanut butter pie. She was forever sending cards of celebration and condolences. She had a very generous nature and loving spirit. Throughout her life, Murriel was devoted to living a God-centered life. She was a member of the Church of Christ for her entire life and worshipped with the By-Pass congregation. Murriel placed God in her thoughts and prayers each and every day of her life and was a true inspiration to others. Murriel Green’s survivors include children Jack Green and Karen Green; grandchildren Lara, Krysti, Jessica and Taylor; great-grandchildren,Jonathon and Austin; brother Howard and sister Marge. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, August 22 at 2:30 at the By Pass Church of Christ with Roy Risley officiating. Interment will follow in Denison Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 at the funeral home.