Ann Ralls Freeman Murrah

Ann Ralls Freeman Murrah, of Orlando, 86, passed away on Saturday December 22, 2018. She was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on June 23, 1932. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert L. Murrah, Sr., in July, 2016, and her brother, Dr. Oscar W. Freeman, of Orlando. She attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia. She was a member of The Rosalind Club, Alpha Delta Pi, Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Descendants of the Signers of the Constitution. She is survived by her daughter, Frances M. Lovett (Britt) and son, Dr. Robert L. Murrah, Jr., (Lisa) of Orlando, grandchildren William Britt Lovett, III (Melissa), Ann Lovett Elsas (Charlie), Robert Hamilton Murrah, Annie Collier Murrah, William Barton Bracey, and Bradford Ritter Bracey, and great-grandchildren Witt and Davis Lovett, Chase, Palmer, and Francie Elsas, and sister-in-law Stacey Murrah Moss (Robert). The service is Thursday, December 27, at First United Methodist Church of Orlando, at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Descendants of The Signers of the Constitution, 1519 Spring Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010. A Community Funeral Home, 910 W. Michigan St., Orlando, 32806, is in charge of arrangements. Ann grew up in Gadsden, Alabama, with her mother and older brother, Oscar Freeman, MD; her father died unexpectedly when she was six. She spent much time with aunts, uncles, and cousins and developed a deep loyalty and love of family. From her early years, she became fascinated with her heritage and continued to honor the legacy of her forbearers throughout her 86 years. She became active in DAR very young and later, Colonial Dames, Daughters of Cincinnati, and Magna Charta Dames. Her greatest energies were focused on service to the Society of the Signers of the Constitution which she presided over for more than twenty years. Ann had a great sense of tradition and passed that along to her children. She attended Camp Desoto in Mentone, Alabama, where she cemented lifelong friendships. Her daughter Frances later attended as did her granddaughter, Ann Elsas. She was an Alpha Delta Pi at Brenau Women’s College as was her mother-in-law, Frances Murrah. Her daughter, Frances, and granddaughter, Annie Murrah, also joined her beloved ADPi sorority. Ann valued opportunities and education and blended both throughout her life. She was still reading the Wall Street Journal for news and opinion cover to cover up until the last three months. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their intellectual and academic interests with enthusiasm and intensity. She also stressed athletic and artistic development and never minded sacrificing to provide a transformative experience for her children. With that, however, came certain expectations – she was part cheerleader and part taskmaster. A pivotal event in Ann’s life occurred when she met her husband and partner of 66 years, Bob. They met at a party at Ann’s sorority house. The two had a remarkable bond and adventure that included far too many noteworthy moments to chronicle here. However, for those who knew them, it was very clear they were something very special together. Bob was quieter and supported his family and Ann, particularly, in her many interests and endeavors. Indeed, much of her achievement and recognition was possible only because Bob was working in tandem behind the scenes. They traveled, read, enjoyed the arts, and worked on philanthropic projects together. Without question, a spark left Ann after Bob’s passing in 2016. Ann was a leader in so many ways. She grew up in a patriarchal southern culture, but was not inclined to be quiet or submissive; she traveled as an emissary to Russia and was one of the 11 keynote speakers at the Women’s Summit for World Peace in Taiwan in 1995. To quote Ann, “I don’t know how I did all those things, to tell you the truth. I’ve had so many varied interests. I have an insatiable appetite, a ferocity, just to know as much as I could know about everything – and if there’s anything I can do to help somebody else, it is my pleasure.” That statement captures so much of Ann’s character and motivation. She dearly loved her country that had been created at great costs and afforded her such incredible opportunities. She worked tirelessly to educate others on the Constitution and the unique privileges afforded to us by our Republic. She was part of the “Greatest Generation”, and her passing is a poignant reminder of what that has meant for us all. Ann had an unquenchable optimism. Her faith was strong as was her determination. One of her favorite scriptures was Romans 15:13. Most of all, Ann loved her family with uncommon zeal. She was proud of each member and left no doubt about her devotion to us all. We will dearly miss our family’s Matriarch and one of the last southern Grand Dames.

Ann Ralls Freeman Murrah

June 23, 1932 - December 22, 2018