Aliene Murdock (Mrs. Robert D) born Aliene Sharp, July 9, 1921 in Selma, Alabama died Monday. She is survived by her three sons, David, Stephen and James. Grandchildren Matthew, Zeke, Amanda, and Sally, and her husband Ali. Niece Susan Crocket, precious great granddaughter Leila, and her devoted and beloved husband Robert. She is preceded in death by grandson Cole and sister Jean Shook. Aliene, an incurable romantic and a 1st Sergeant in the WACS married Robert an airman on Valentine's Day 1945 while both of them were stationed in England. Aliene was awarded the bronze star for her military service. A Tulsan since March of 1929, Aliene was an active member of Centenary United Methodist Church since 1933, teaching the Beginners for 35 years and serving on the board. Aliene's relatives shared her with the members, board, and supporters of the Center for the Physically Limited where she served as Executive Director from 1957 to 1985. When she retired she became Executive Director Emeritus. Aliene's incredible energy and capacity to love, to laugh, and to embrace infused the spirit of the organization she headed. Members said that the Center was their reason for getting up in the morning because it emanated Aliene's spirit. In a period when public facilities were inaccessible and mainstreaming was unheard of Aliene took members, swimming, bowling, fishing and camping. There were elaborately costumed musical revues and Christmas caroling and beautiful ceramic works and crafts of all kinds. Aliene was everywhere, the members thrived, and so did the Center. In 1980 the Tulsa Housing Authority recognized Aliene's service to and advocacy for persons with disabilities by naming their new accessible, affordable apartment building Aliene Murdock Villa. Many of Aliene's beloved Center members moved into this building adjacent to the Center where since her retirement Aliene and her husband, Robert, have been regulars in their activities and celebrations.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 on Wednesday at the Ninde Brookside Chapel, 3841 S. Peoria. Service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday in the Centenary United Methodist Church, 631 N. Denver with entombment to follow in the Rose Hill Mausoleum. The family requests that memorials be made to: The Resident Association of Murdock Villa, Aliene Murdock Villa, Att: Norma DeRoin, 828 S. Wheeling Ave., Tulsa, OK 74104.
Bob, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Aliene. I know you will miss her greatly. Your love and support for each other was so evident and it was always a pleasure to be around you both. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, JoAnn
JoAnn Gandy
Aliene was part of our Prairie Rose community and we will miss her very much. My prayers and sympathy to Bob and her family.
Earlene Wise
My prayers and thoughts are with your family. I will never forget about her. I was glad that she made this happen (Rec Center) and social with deaf people and hc people on fridays and saturday when I was young back then, I learned asl throught them. If not for them, I would not learn asl. I really appreciate her so much what she did. I love her very much and missed her very much. will see her in heaven someday. My Love, Davona
Davona Cox
As the newest Executive Director for The Center, it is my honor and privilege to carry on what Mrs. Murdock so lovingly cared for during her tenure - our members - for they truly are an inspiration. So many of them have already shared stories with me of Aliene. I wish I would have had the chance to meet her, as I know I would have benefitted a great deal. I hope she is able to look down on The Center in years to come and be very proud of our continuing progress and accomplishments and know she had great impact on its legacy! With deep sympathy~ Lori Mathis
Lori Mathis
Mr. James Murdock and family my condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a caring and good hearted person who did alot for others. She definitely planted goodness in the gardens of your families. Make that family soil rich in the virtues of faith,hope and charity in her memory. She will be missed but always remembered for kindness and self giving. May you find comfort Mr. Murdock in knowing that she has definitely earned her welcoming and that the Good Lord has received her with open arms. My family's prayers are with you and your loved ones. Martha Alvarez
Martha Alvarez
I have known Mrs. Alience Murdock since 1969. She is wonderful heart for disabiled children including deafies. She gave us good opportunity to involve in any activities like bowling, swimming, games, performances, and crafts. That deserved our life to keep good memories with her in past. I never forget that she was my good camp and cabin leader at YMCA in Wagoner, OK. She always friendly smiled to me all the time. She is rarely gift of compassioning to the disabiled children. Last time I saw her two years ago at the store. God bless her soul and be sympathy with family of Mrs. Murdock! ROBIN POLIN
Robin Polin
God's eternal love will shine very brightly on this beautiful women who gave so much to so many. Without her services to the people with disabilities throughout her life there would have been no hope for all these needy individuals. Her shining smile will be missed on earth but enjoyed in heaven. THANK YOU MRS. MURDOCK!
Bill & Kathy Anthamatten