Shauntrice Murry
Shauntrice Murry with her loved ones, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Memorial for Shauntrice
By Tiara Smith
Trici’s sister in Christ and her friend behind the walls
If you ever asked, "Why does bad things always happen to good people?" Shauntrice Murry was the epitome of this question. One of the meekest and humblest people I've ever encountered, I was saddened by her sudden descent into terminal illness. Trici battled with cancer. When first diagnosed, it was already too late for her. I asked and asked God why? I couldn't understand. First, she was a lifer. I don't know the circumstances surrounding the events that led her to prison, but any encounter I've ever had with her could never make me believe she did anything to anyone. She never argued with anyone inside of these walls. She never asked anyone for anything. She never complained. She never got caught up in the daily foolishness of prison life. Trici wouldn't even stand up for herself. She took insults and wrong treatment from staff members and “inmates” alike. She was a quiet soul. You never heard her speak unless you approached her. She didn't even steal out of the kitchen. She was honest. Compared to many, she was a walking saint. So I continued to ask God about her, to pray and hold prayer circles for her. I begged God for her healing. Sometimes it seemed like there was hope and she could overcome. I saw her a week before she died and I was blessed to see her in her skeletal state. She still had her hair. But she was tired. She didn't want to fight anymore. She didn't give up, she just never was a fighter. I asked God again, why? The only answer I received was she has done well. She was the wise and faithful servant. She was the one that could make everyone question their conscious decisions and morals. She made everyone look within their self by how she carried herself. She never had to speak, it showed. She didn't have to fight, God always fought her battles. She didn't steal because God provided all her needs. Trici just loved life and loved to smile and laugh. So I asked did she quit or did God call her home? God said to her "well done wise and faithful servant." Trici didn't get to see the free world again before she died she was permitted entrance into a better world, one where God will wipe every tear from her eyes. She will no longer suffer. She is whole. She is free. She is forgiven. Her worst mistake will no longer be held against her. As much as she suffered in her sickness and in her prison sentence, may her life speak volumes to us left behind and may her story bless those she hurt as well. As her soul rests in peace, I pray that her victims will forgive her because she is redeemed!
God bless you Trici! I'll never forget you. I will carry your story among the many women I've encountered on this journey. Because I am still here, I will take heed and promote justice because of what I've learned from your silent witness and testimony. And I will not be silent. I will stand up for you and those like you.
Jesus said the meek would inherit the earth. Trici is the best example I've ever seen of what it means to be meek and humble, patient and not proud, loving and kind. Her treasure has been awaiting her in heaven this whole time. She walked through the wilderness and has officially crossed the Jordan River into the promised land! To God be the glory…
Transcribed by Ivana Bozic.
Memorial for Shauntrice
By her friends
Shauntrice – Tricie, as she was known to most of us – had a determined team of friends and human rights lawyers advocating for her release for months. In 2019, her attorneys requested a medical reprieve but were denied. Georgia’s parole board did not feel she was sick enough. In March, Tricie’s oncologist gave her a prognosis of imminent death, and her legal team renewed their request for a medical reprieve. This time the board granted relief. However, Tricie remained in prison due to a Georgia law that requires a 90-day victim notification period prior to a person being paroled. This law is unconscionably cruel and undermines the purpose of a medical reprieve, especially in a situation like Tricie’s. Given this setback, a request for an emergency commutation petition was submitted, which the parole board denied several days later. Throughout this time, Tricie’s family were prevented from seeing her, due to COVID-19.
Though we are saddened any time one of our sisters or brothers dies in prison, we are particularly disturbed by the brazen brutality levied against Tricie and her family in her final days. This type of inhumane treatment has no place in our society. Even in her unimaginable situation though, Tricie held on for far longer than expected. She died just six days before the 90-day period was over. The following are more testimonials by those who were formerly incarcerated with Tricie, all made in March in support of her release.
- MOL team members Page Dukes and Luci Harrell
Knowing Shauntrice Murry has really been a great thing. I’m 50 years old and never knew what a true friend was until I met Ms. Murry. When I got to [Lee Arrendale State Prison] I was lost, confused, depressed, cause of the sentence I had just received. Another [woman who was incarcerated] introduced me to her and told me she would be good to talk to. At first things were bumpy with her cause she didn’t like to talk but making small talk was better than anything. Then we started doing things together such as cooking, playing spades, and going to groups. We practically did everything together. After 8 ½ years I have seen a tremendous change in Ms. Murry, and she is caring and very helpful. If I had the opportunity to talk to the Board I would beg them to allow Ms. Murry to go home and be in comfort for her remaining days — that way I could go to Macon and help see about her. I have been here from the beginning and I will be there until the end. I love this lady like my very own sister!
- Freida Davis
She made a major, major impact on my life. I called her Auntie. She kept me out of sooo much trouble, talked me out of suicide attempts and she helped me get back in touch with God. We had so many laughs, so many serious talks about life. She not only became my friend she became part of my family. There was never a dull moment with Tricie Murry (Auntie). It was always loud laughs and jokes being told to pass our days. And she knows how to cook! She made me some meals that will leave a taste in my mouth for a lifetime. I love her so much and just wish that the Board can see that everyone makes mistakes but no one deserves to die that way.
- Courtney Chestnut
She was very thin by the time I met her. I remember her telling me she was sick. If I was hungry… she helped me out. She was in pain I do believe, but tried not showing it too much. I was only in dorm a few months but she made an impact on me…Just a positive influence. I am not from Georgia, I was really nervous. She always had something positive to say to me. She never let me go hungry and looked out for me. Always kind.
- Alex Holzmiller
I met Tricie Murry in 2017 at Lee Arrendale state prison. I got into a situation and she was the one that talked me out of making what would’ve been the 2nd worst mistake of my life then she cooked me a meal some kind of pasta it was the best I had ever eaten. She also provided me with scriptures to read when I went through things. She was very kind to me and caring. She told me “you already made the mistake once don’t do it again always remember your kids need you”. Shauntrice Murry was a great motivation to me and I’m praying that the parole board will grant her parole to spend her last days home with her family.
- Mary Riden
She was always so positive and uplifting. She shines from the inside. Like, her soul shines. Anytime I was down or dark, she had a positive word.
- Katie Shields
Obstacles are the path of life that we ALL face as human beings, some different than others. However, how we deal with those obstacles and get through them is what makes a person truly amazing. Being around Murry and seeing her dedication to self improvement and drive to always do better and be better was projected in her smile and speech everytime we crossed paths. Please grant Murry something that she deserves and that is too see her family and friends for the last time before she moves on to get her rewards.
- Marsha Pennant
I met her when I broke my foot and she was the sweetest person. I had to stay in medical for a few days and she would check on me. She deserves to be home with her family…I was scared to be in there, and she was very nice to me.
- Chanda Gilreath
Shauntrice Murry was funny, she was quiet but she wld crack a joke!! She was a friend to some, a mentor to some, a mom, a aunt. Whatever the individual needed she filled that void!! She cooked, cleaned, and even prayed with whoever needed her to do so! She stood up for what was right and discouraged anything foolish!! She is loved by all that had the pleasure of crossing paths with her!! It shouldn’t even be a question to let her out!! This is someone’s daughter! Think if this was your daughter wld it be a question then!!
- Cameron Phillips Hunter