Sheron Murray

Sheron Murray, 85, of Centralia passed away peacefully Friday, October 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at her home. She was born on April 10, 1940, in Macoupin County, the daughter of Albert and Lois (Yahr) Grichnik. She married Donald Dean Murray on March 28, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Carlinville, and they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.

Along with her devoted husband, Don, survivors that were blessed by Sheron’s ability to share the love of Jesus with everyone she met include her son, Shawn Gelsinger of Centralia; grandchildren, Taylor (Tim) McHenry of Sandoval, Tiffany Carter (Brandon Tate) of Centralia, Landon Gelsinger of Alma, and Harper Gelsinger of Hoopeston; great-grandchildren, Addalynn, Rhett, Layni, Kamryn, and Russell; sister, Janet Griffel of Carlinville; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Sheron was preceded in death by father, Albert Grichnik; mother, Lois Thompson and husband Myron; son, Shane Gelsinger; daughter, Shancy Gelsinger; and granddaughter, Jena Gelsinger.

Sheron was a proud graduate of Carlinville High School, Class of 1957. She valued education, continuing her studies at Illinois State University, and completing her bachelors of science degree in education in 1961. Later in life, she returned to Illinois State University to earn her masters degree, graduating sixth in her class. Sheron was an encouragement, listening ear, and gentle, God led advisor for grateful high school students throughout her career. She first worked at Vandalia High School from 1961-1964. It was then that Sheron found the man of God she had been praying for, and she and Don began their journey of serving each other, as God directed every step of their marriage. As a new bride, Sheron worked as a counselor for Centralia High School and in May of 1966, she and Don moved to their farm. The spring of 1970 found Sheron meeting new challenges with resilience and ease, as she assumed her role as guidance director for the high school. Her dedication to the students never faltered all the way up to her retirement in 1994. She was an integral part of the community, leading woman in business as president of the Centralia BPW in 1971 – 1972.

Sheron truly loved to travel and wanted her family to share these experiences with her. She had a tradition of taking her grandchildren on their first train ride at the age of eight and they then got to travel by plane when they turned sixteen. Europe, Israel and Egypt were some of her most memorable and treasured experiences. Sheron will most be remembered for her unshakable faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a cheerful giver, always seeking God’s will for her life and ready to share his good news of salvation with others. She served as a Pastor for both the Huey and Beckemeyer Methodist Churches where she shared God’s Word with passion and grace. Sheron was a disciple of the most high God, selfless in her service, intelligent, creative, tenacious, and loving.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Anthony Paulson officiating and Rev. Mark Myers delivering the eulogy. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Sheron’s honor to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences and memories of Sheron may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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