Norma Ann Murrell

Norma Patricia Ann Murrell (1933-2023)

Norma was born to the late James and Edna Griffin on December 29, 1933, in Columbus, OH, in the all–Black community, of Pointdexter Village. Norma attended East High School before studying music at Capitol University.

She moved to Indianapolis with her best friend Carole Shank (Finger) in the 1950s and worked for Radio Corporation of America and Penn Central Railroad. In 1962, she met her husband, the late Eddie Murrell at RCA. She became a mother of two girls, Lisa Lenore and Patricia Ann. 

A few years later, they talked about owning their own business, and in 1972, she opened their seafood restaurant, Eddie’s Fish Market. They had two locations, one on Central Avenue and a location on Michigan Rd that opened in 1975. Eddie’s Fish Market became a local favorite in the Black communities in Indianapolis. They participated in many events like Indiana Black Expos Jazz Under the Stars in Military Park, Soul Food Picnic, and more. The stores remained open until the 90’s. Some customers included Congresswoman Julia Carson and Congressman Bill Crawford along with many regular neighbors who patronized the fish markets. Norma’s late husband, Eddie, preceded her in death in 2003.

Around that time, Norma was asked to help a social agency recruit seniors in her Northside neighborhood. She began a senior activities group and created programming for senior groups, at Senior Care Recreation Center, her own nonprofit organization. Most of their activities included trips to cities like New Orleans, Martha’s Vineyard, San Diego, Mackinaw City, Michigan, Dayton, Ohio, and much more. Norma also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Crooked Creek Service Center on Indy’s Northside. Over time, she grew close with the seniors and became a part of their lives.

Norma devoted her life to her grandchildren, Ariana, Adia, and Nicholas. She attended each of their activities like Grandparents' Days, orchestra concerts, choir performances, bowling tournaments, graduations, and more. For many years, Norma traveled with them on Carnival cruises to various islands in the Caribbean and Mexico. Even in retirement, Norma worked hard to make sure her grandchildren had opportunities that shape their success today.

Norma was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. She prioritized her faith throughout her life and remained an active supporter of Our Savior throughout her life.

In retirement, Norma worked at her neighborhood Walmart. For over a decade, she worked in different roles throughout the store becoming an intricate part of the 86th and Michigan location. She was a regular smiling face and over the years grew close with her colleagues.

Norma was a creator. She had creative projects like crocheting Afghans, calendars, dish towels, and more. In her home, she collected ceramic figurines, that she painted. She published a memoir, Memoirs of a Virtuous Woman, in 2019. Norma was passionate about her family. She was our matriarch.

Norma was also preceded in death by her brother, James H. Griffin Jr.

Norma leaves to cherish her memory, children: Lisa Murrell and Patricia Beedie; grandchildren: Ariana Beedie, Adia Beedie, Nicholas Beedie and two great-grandchildren, sister, Willa Valdez; brother, Robert Griffin, and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.