Ms. Chaney M. Jeffers Murray

Chaney Margaret Jeffers Murray began her life on June 20, 1950, the second daughter and third child of M. C. and F. M. Jeffers. Chaney accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Lane Chapel C. M. E. Church, where she was a lifelong member. Having followed her dad to Sunday School as a toddler, she remained faithful to her church until God called her to her heavenly reward on January 26, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Mylas C. Jeffers Jr. and Mary E. Jeffers. She diligently served her church in many capacities, including Director of Christian Education, Stewardess Board, Women’s Missionary Society, Steward, and Trustee Board member. Chaney served her local church, her district, and the annual conference faithfully, even after her health began to fail. Chaney began her educational endeavors at Stewart Elementary School and was a cheerleader, a member of the choir, and a proud member of the Lincoln Senior High School Class of 1967. Their reunions and gatherings are the stuff of legends, and she was always in the middle of everything. She loved her classmates and was able to share an evening with them, celebrating her 75th birthday. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, formerly known as A. M. and N. College, she began her teaching career in the Helena-West Helena School District as an elementary school teacher. She transferred to the Forrest City School District and retired after over 30 years of dedicated service as a teacher. If you knew Chaney, then you also knew that she did more than just teach. As part of the Forrest City Junior High Leadership Team, she was instrumental in helping the school navigate transitional changes under the principalship of William “Billy” Ferguson. She sponsored the Student Council, organized events, and bossed everybody, including the principal. Chaney was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Helena Alumnae Chapter, Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, February 23, 1974, with her sister, Mary E. Jeffers, and lifelong friend, Mary L. Norman. She was a Golden Life member and Charter member of both the Blytheville Alumnae and the Forrest City Area Alumnae chapters of Delta Sigma Theta. As a Delta Dear, she was recognized by her local chapter for 50 years of membership in 2024. She served her community as a member of the Forrest City Civic Center Commission, the Democratic Central Committee, and she served two terms on the Quorum Court. Cherishing her memory and standing as her living legacy are her daughter, Natasha J. Murray; her son-in-love, Mark K. Norman; her grandchildren, Kelly and Mylas; her great-granddaughter, Luna; her brother, Michael; her sister-in-law, Mary “Sue” S. Jeffers; and a host of family and friends. Special Request: For those attending the memorial service on Saturday, February 7, the family asks that you wear vibrant colors or animal print in celebration of life. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, are respectfully requested to wear red and pearls.

Ms. Chaney M. Jeffers Murray

June 20, 1950 - January 26, 2026