Obituary of Aliene Murdock

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.