Mary Douglas McGee Murdock, 84, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Youngsville, North Carolina. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

Mary Doug was born on March 12, 1941, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to Blanche and Connor McGee. Growing up with her sister, Sarah, Mary Doug blossomed into a young woman of vigor and dedication, excelling in athletics and academics. She played four years of basketball for Lenoir High School serving as co-captain for two years, was All-Northwestern Conference and voted "Most Athletic Girl" for her Senior Superlative. She proudly served on the Student Council and National Honor Society, graduating from Lenoir High School in 1959. Her basketball abilities led to her induction into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Following her high school accomplishments, Mary Doug pursued her passion for nursing, earning her R.N. at Baptist Hospital School of Nursing from 1959-1962 and later obtaining a Bachelor of Health Science from Campbell University in 1977. Her commitment to continuous education included coursework at Wake Forest University and North Carolina State University.

Mary Doug's heart led her to Jack Murdock, and they wed on Halloween in 1964. Their marriage stood the test of time for over six decades, blessed with a son and a home in Raleigh where they nurtured their family and shared countless memories.

Professionally, Mary Doug began her career as a surgical nurse at NC Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, serving from 1962 to 1966. She then embarked on a distinguished 30-year tenure at Wake Technical Community College, shaping minds and futures. There, she held several roles, from Instructor and Director of Practical Nursing to Dean of Health Education, retiring in 1996 as a highly respected educator.

Mary Doug's influence extended beyond Wake Tech as she served on numerous committees, contributing significantly to the advancement of nursing education and accreditation. She was appointed to the Board of Review for the National League of Nursing and authored the curriculum for Operating Room Technicians.

Her passion for community and support for her son found her supporting local sports and youth centers. Mary Doug's dedication to service continued even in retirement, offering her musical talents as a pianist and her time as a volunteer in educational settings.

Remembered for her love of gardening, bridge, needlework, daily crossword puzzles, reading, and cherished moments with grandchildren, Mary Doug's zest for life was infectious.

Mary Doug is survived by her adoring husband, Jack; her devoted son, Jack Murdock (Emily); her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her niece, Christy Knight; and brother-in-law, Tom Harville; and countless friends. She now joins her late parents, Connor and Blanche McGee, and sister, Sarah McGee Harville, in eternal peace.

The family expresses immense gratitude to the staff at Franklin Manor and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care during Mary Doug's illness.

In honor of Mary Doug Murdock's legacy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Her memory will be a beacon of love, wisdom, and courage for all who had the privilege to know her.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Montlawn Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Montlawn Funeral Home with the Reverend Tyler Williams.

Interment will immediately follow in Montlawn Memorial Park.

"We will miss you dearly, your love and kindness will remain in our hearts forever."

Please share a memory or condolence for the family in Mary Doug's guest book below.

Montlawn Funeral Home, Cremations & Memorial Park is honored to serve the Murdock family.