THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 5, 1995 TAG: 9510050366
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Short : 47 lines
The Rev. Oscar S. ``Cuddie'' McMurren, 67, of the 1000 block of Warfield Dr., departed this life Oct. 2, 1995, at Maryview Hospital, Portsmouth.
Rev. McMurren was born July 21, 1928 in Elizabeth City on Green St., to Oscar and Ester McMurren Sr. He attended P.W. Moore High School, and graduated in the class of 1948. He also attended Wilberforce University in Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II and stayed for three years. He married Lillian Barker on Jan. 3, 1952.
He preached his trial sermon at Mount Lebanon A.M.E. Zion Church, the 2nd Sunday in Dec. 1964. He became an ordained deacon in April 1961, and an ordained minister in Nov. 1961. He was assigned July, 1961 to his first church in Sligo, N.C. and pastored there 20 years. He was given the position of treasurer in the Albemarle Annual Conference under the leadership of Bishop W.A. Stewart. Rev. McMurren became a presiding elder in 1975. He was the third youngest presiding elder in the A.M.E. Zion Church. He stayed with the A.M.E. Zion Conference until his health began to fail.
He took the apprenticeship for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1955. His employment began in April of 1955. He was the first black supervisor in shop 72 and the first black general foreman in shop 72. He was employed at the shipyard until he bacame sick in 1984 and retired on Jan. 15, 1985.
He leaves to cherish his memory with love, his devoted wife, Lillian B. McMurren; two daughters, Mrs. Waneeca M. Jones and Ms. Everletta G. McMurren; one foster daughter, Mrs. Yolanda M. Jones; two grandchildren, Ms. Shamel R. Jones and Demond T. Jones; two foster grandchildren, Ms. Tracey Franklin and Ms. Phadonia Spence; two foster great-grandchildren Terrell and Dujuan; one brother, Rev. Grady McMurren; three sisters-in-law, Ms. Annir Barker, Mrs. Pearl Rouse and Mrs. Mary McMurren; one foster aunt, Mrs. Ruth Spellman; foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Teel; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church in Norfolk, at the corner of Vine St. and Melon St., by Pastor G.L. Scott. Burial will be in Elizabeth City, N.C. at New Oak Grove Cemetery. Walson Funeral Home in Elizabeth City, N.C. is in charge of the arrangements. Food and cards may be taken to Ms. Annie Mae Barker at 504 Salem Dr., Elizabeth City, N.C.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB