W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Crystal Lynette Murray-Irvin, 59, of Louisville passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Atlanta, GA.

Memorial Service is being held 4:00pm Friday, August 25, 2023 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road.

Crystal Lynette Murray-Irvin was born February 7, 1964, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Annie Richardson Murray and Glenn Murray. She was the second of their five children. Crystal began her Christian journey at an early age at Cable Baptist Church and later, moved her membership to Forest Tabernacle Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. As a youngster, Crystal would braid hair for everyone in the family as well as male and female neighbors. She didn’t think of it as a job but was just trying to do her part to keep everyone looking good. Crystal had a beautiful singing voice and even had the opportunity to audition for Kings Island and Coca Cola commercials. Some have one talent, but Crystal was multi-talented. She was also blessed with the abilities to be a writer and an excellent cook. Some of her collection of poems were published. She was also an excellent cook, and her unforgettable macaroni and cheese and yellow cake with made from scratch caramel icing would put any “top chef” to shame.

She was a person who never met a stranger, loved to laugh, was somewhat outspoken, frequently imparted unsolicited “pearls of wisdom” to keep everyone on the right track, and most of all, Crystal loved her family with all her heart. As a matter of fact, she was the caregiver for the family. Whenever someone was sick, hospitalized, or in rehab, Crystal was the one to nurse them back to health.

Educated in the Jefferson County Public Schools System, Crystal attended Newburg Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Durrett High School. When the opportunity arose, she chose to attend Job Corp in Atlanta, Georgia, to get ready for the workforce. Crystal had an entrepreneurial spirit which led to her and her husband managing several businesses---Buca di Beppo and Mitchell’s Fish Market to name a few. Crystal was both the prep cook and sous chef. Although she was doing something she loved to do, she made a career change which led her to work as a home health aide for nursing homes. Crystal carried out her responsibilities with the same passion for the patients that she had for her own family. Her pleasant smile and genuine concern drew people to her. Whether she was in Louisville, Atlanta, or California, Crystal was a hard worker who kept a job and stayed connected to family. She frequently would say to each uncle, “You are my FAVORIST uncle in the world.”


In her spare time, Crystal enjoyed listening to old-school, R&B, Soul, and Motown tunes. Her modern-day favorite artists were Michael Jackson and Jaheim. She was a U of L fan, scratch-off player, and a companion for her sister, Maria Taylor, who bowled at the bowling alley while Crystal watched her play. Sadly, on July 8, 2023, Crystal Lynette Murray-Irvin departed this life. She leaves to cherish their many memories of her: three children, Thameisa “Meisa”, Chrishaunda “Pigg”, and Da’Mian “ Big Dusty”; three grandchildren, Vik Torii, Montielle, Kameia; siblings, Maria, Tracy, Sean “Terry”, and Dewayne (Glenn); and a host of relatives and friends.