Oreler (Dillard) Banks Murry

Our beloved Oreler - pronounced O-ree-lah - lived a big, beautiful life right up to the end. Over the years, she has been affectionately known by many names, easier to pronounce: “O,” “Big O,” “Ms. Banks,” “Momma O,” “Mrs. Murry,” “Momma Murry,” “Aunt O-ree-yah,” “Grandma,” and, of course, Mom. Oreler was born on February 18, 1938, in Wyatte, Mississippi, to Bernice Vergil Jamison Dillard, an incredible seamstress and homemaker, and Willie Dillard, who served in the United States Navy. She was the middle child, with an older sister, Gladys, and a younger brother, Ivano.

During their early childhood in Chulahoma, Mississippi, Oreler and her siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse where their grandmother, Mary Jamison, was the teacher. Mary inspired a deep love of learning and the importance of education in her grandchildren. The family later moved to New York City where Oreler and her siblings attended PS 170. The family eventually settled in Memphis, Tennessee.

Rooted in faith and tradition, Oreler accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Pisgah CME Church in Memphis, and also attended Harris Chapel CME Church in Holly Springs, MS. She was active, outgoing, and full of life at church and at Melrose High School, where she was a cheerleader and majorette. At one point, she was invited to serve as a delegate on a school trip to Washington, D.C. When she declined because her family could not afford to send her, the ladies of the church raised the funds to make sure she could go - a testament to how brightly she shined even as a young woman.

Oreler went on to attend her beloved Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, where she was active in dance, cheerleading, and student council. She graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and also had a love for science. Her connection to Rust College remained strong throughout her life. She later served as President of the Alumni Association and received the Silver Award for outstanding contributions in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Everywhere Oreler went, she collected loved ones — forming lifelong relationships. These were not casual friendships. From high school and Rust College to church, work, and community life, she formed lifelong friendships that became chosen family. Many of those dear friends lovingly served as godmothers, aunties, mentors, and encouragers to her daughter, Robbie.

She married her college sweetheart, Algenoid Banks, and the two moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she taught at Marshall High School. Grammy Award-winning artist Isaac Hayes was even one of her night school students. Oreler later earned her Master’s degree in Mathematics from DePaul University in Chicago. In January 1963, on one of the coldest days of the year, their daughter Robbie — named after Algenoid’s mother — was born.

After the untimely death of her husband, Oreler moved to Detroit to raise her daughter and begin a new chapter. She worked for the Archdiocese of Detroit, first as secretary, then a substitute teacher, teacher, and eventually principal of the Catholic elementary school. She met and married James Henry Murry, blending their families with love and joy to include his children, Ricky Rainey and Cheyrell Ward. Oreler and “Murry” eventually retired and returned to Memphis. Retirement did not slow Oreler down. She continued doing what she loved: serving others, dancing, encouraging young people, and staying active in her community. She danced for 7 years with the NBA Memphis Grizzlie Grannies and even appeared on TV during a playoff halftime show. She was a donor and supporter of the National Civil Rights Museum. She was active at the Orange Mound Senior Center, where she held office, and at her home church, Mt. Pisgah CME, where she had grown up, married, and later sang in the Mass Choir.

Oreler also enjoyed assisting her brother part-time with his business, Dillard & Dillard Tax Service. But perhaps her greatest gift - her true superpower - was pouring into the lives of young people. She taught, mentored, encouraged, and showed up. She attended school programs, sporting events, and milestones, always cheering them on with fervor. She loved traveling, attending class reunions and family reunions, and making memories with those she loved. One unforgettable trip took place in 2009, when three generations - Oreler, her daughter Robbie, and her grandchildren - traveled together to attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

After becoming ill in 2017, Oreler moved to Carrollton, TX, just outside of Dallas, to live with her daughter and family. There, she joined Bethel Bible Fellowship, expanding her circle of daughters, sons, and loved ones. She continued to praise and worship the Lord faithfully until her final days.

Oreler was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Willie Dillard; her older sister, Gladys; her nephew, Darrell; her husband, Algenoid Banks; and her husband James Murry.

She leaves to cherish her lasting memory: her daughter, Robbie Banks Douglas (Greg); her bonus daughter and sons, Cheyrell Ward, Robert “Ricky” Rainey (Rebecca), and James Crowder; her brother, Ivano Dillard; her brother-in-law, George Banks (Gloria); her nephews, Van, Algenoid, and Cornelius Banks, and O’Daniel Glass; her niece, Ketra Nicole Dillard; her grandchildren, Brandon and Ryan Elise Douglas; Chazere’, Rickael, and Jaylin Rainey; three great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

She lived with purpose, loved with intention, and left a legacy that will continue to shine through every life she touched.

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