Dorothy "Dotsie" Richardson Murray, of St. George, SC, peacefully entered heaven on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Dotsie was born on March 6, 1932, in Sumter, SC.  She was raised in Summerton, SC, on her much-loved family farm and “homeplace” and later attended the University of South Carolina, where she was a proud member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.  She cherished her time and all of the lifelong friendships she made at USC.

While driving home from town in 1953 she was stopped by a handsome, young SC highway patrolman and given a warning for a missing taillight, and on January 30, 1954, she married Charles "Rut" Rutledge Murray, Sr. of Holly Hill, SC, a decorated veteran of the United States Army and World War II POW.  They lived in Holly Hill for nine years before moving to St. George, SC.  Dotsie and Rut created a wonderful home for their children, surrounded by friends, neighbors, and family who meant so much to them and who supported them throughout their lives.  With the arrival of grandchildren, she became “Gamma” for life, and she was, unquestionably, the best Gamma in the world!

Dotsie taught fourth grade at Dorchester Academy, and she considered it an honor to guide and influence so many children.  She cared about each student personally and followed their achievements through the years.  Dotsie loved her bridge clubs, was involved in her community and at St. George Methodist Church where she treasured all her friendships.  She and Rut were active members and supporters of the American Ex-POW organization, Low Country Chapter.

Family was always the center of her life, and she was the steady source of strength, encouragement and support to everyone.  Dotsie was deeply proud of her family heritage and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames, American Legion Auxiliary, and loved to take any opportunity to share that she was a direct descendant of six of South Carolina’s governors.

Her personality is irreplaceable, and her absence leaves an emptiness in the lives of those who knew her.  She will be lovingly missed for her warmth, her quick wit, and the way she made every person feel cherished. Her family and friends take comfort in the countless memories and the lasting love she leaves behind.

Dotsie was predeceased by her father, John Peter Richardson, mother, Dorothy Carrigan Richardson, brother, John Peter Richardson, Jr., and grandson, Charles Rutledge Murray, III.

She is survived by her children, Katherine Murray Daniel (Jim) of Lexington, SC and Charles Rutledge Murray, Jr. (Sandra) of St. George, SC and grandchildren, Rebecca Murray of St. George, SC, Caroline Daniel (Don Roberts) of Lexington, SC, Grace Dukes (Zach) of Greenville, SC, Betsy Hix (Jordan) of Lexington SC, and Abby Daniel of Lexington SC. She adored her eight great-grandchildren, Charlie Hix, Henry Hix, Dorothy Jane Roberts, Pete Roberts, Rosie Roberts, Caroline (CoCo) Roberts, Joe Dukes, and Annabelle Dukes.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 2 o’clock at St George Methodist Church followed by interment at St. George Memorial Gardens.  The family will greet guests from 1:00 to 2:00 before the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Dotsie's honor to the St. George United Methodist Church Youth Program.