Loyce Murley

Loyce Murley, a cherished member of the Winnsboro community, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 30, 1931, in Fannin County, Texas to William Ray Call and Willie Pettus (Williams) Call. 

Loyce married the love of her life, Dr. Warren Thad Murley Jr., on July 16, 1955 at the Baptist church in Bailey, Texas. She first met Warren in 1946, when they were both Freshmen at Bailey High School.  Warren chronicled this meeting in a paper that he wrote for English class in 1947, in which he recounted his Freshman year and his “...interest in this certain girl, Loyce Call.”  Ever after, he referred to Loyce as “his best friend”, and they were seldom apart for very long thereafter. Their family grew as they welcomed three children, Elizabeth "Kay", Laura, and Warren “Thad” Murley III. Loyce and Warren Jr. were married 55 wonderful years before his passing in 2010.

Loyce led a remarkable life filled with diverse roles and accomplishments. She excelled as an Executive Secretary for American Petrofina in Dallas, Texas, while also dedicating herself to the roles of homemaker and mother. Throughout her career, Loyce also served as a Bookkeeper for her husband’s business, and a substitute teacher for Winnsboro I.S.D., leaving a positive impact on many lives.

Education played a significant role in Loyce's life journey. She graduated from East Texas State College in Commerce with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Later on, she furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education from East Texas State University in Commerce.

Beyond her professional achievements, Loyce found joy in various hobbies and interests such as sewing, quilting, painting, and reading. Her involvement in the First Methodist Church in Winnsboro and membership in organizations like the United Methodist Women, Friends of the Library, and Methodist Quilters Guild showcased her commitment to community and service.

Loyce is preceded in death by her parents, William Ray Call and Willie Pettus (Williams) Call; her beloved husband, Dr. Warren Thad Murley Jr.; twin brother, Royce D. Call; two sisters, Doris Merle Call Mackey and Billie Imogene Call Sells; son-in-law James McEntire; and grandson David Christopher Morrison.

Left to cherish her memory are three children: Elizabeth Kay Murley McEntire of Winnsboro, Laura Murley Morrison and husband David Glenn Morrison of Winnsboro, and Warren Thad Murley III and wife Kat Murley of Highland Village. She is also survived by six siblings: John Wayne Call of Gainesville; Sophie Luella Call Landsdell of Texarkana, Arkansas; Thelma Jo Call Stalcup of Mandeville, Louisiana; Nancy Carnell Call Alexander and husband Don of Bonham; Retha Mae Call Owens and husband Dalton of Bonham; and Carolyn Sue Call Johnson and husband Jimmy of Ector. Additionally, Loyce is survived by five grandchildren: Randy Parrish of Winnsboro; Tanner Pipkin Mabry and husband Andrew of Granbury; Michael McEntire of Winnsboro; Wacey Murley of Brighton, Colorado; and Caleb Murley of Oklahoma City. Her legacy continues through three great-grandchildren: Laykin Loyce Mabry, Heston Phillip Mabry, and Brekyn Bryce Mabry.

A graveside service honoring Loyce's life will take place at 11:30 AM Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Lee Cemetery in Winnsboro with Pastor Cody Rushing officiating. 

Serving as pallbearers are Richard Randal Parrish, Tanner Mabry, Andrew Mabry, Wacey Murley, Caleb Murley, and David Morrison. Honorary pallbearer is Michael McEntire. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Heritage Hospice in Sulphur Springs, and to all of the wonderful caregivers that showered Loyce with the love and care that she needed. Faye Russom, Wanda Carpenter, Cheryl Mahoney, Teresa James, and Shirley Carden, you will never know how much you are truly appreciated.  The family is so blessed to have had your help.  Also, a special thank you to Will Harrison for his help and devotion to our mother and father. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Loyce to Heritage Hospice in Sulphur Springs.

Heritage Hospice
1330 Church Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482