Thelma Murray (née Briscoe) was born on April 13, 1951, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Azariah "Ozzie" and Millicent Briscoe. She was the third of six children and the eldest daughter. Raised in Pembroke Hall, Thelma demonstrated exceptional academic prowess from an early age. She attended Greenwich Primary School, where her intellectual gifts earned her a scholarship to Excelsior High School.
At Excelsior, Thelma distinguished herself across all disciplines, exhibiting particular brilliance in mathematics and cultivating a profound love for poetry. She had a penchant and flair for reciting poetic prose – illuminating any room as she effortlessly recited and performed lengthy poetic works from memory, captivating everyone with her magnetic presence, effervescence, and innate eloquence in dramatic expression. While attending Excelsior, she met Norris "Leroy" Murray, a student from Kingston College, who would soon become her husband and lifelong partner.
Following high school, Thelma earned a scholarship to the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad, where she pursued engineering — one of the few women in that field at the time. Years later, Thelma and Norris decided to move to New York to marry and start a family. Simultaneously, Thelma continued her academic journey, transferring to the highly reputable engineering program at City College of New York (CCNY). In these same years, Thelma and Norris created a loving home for their two children, Mikael and Natasha, and extended family. Balancing the demands of motherhood and academia with characteristic grace, Thelma completed her degree in Electrical Engineering and launched a distinguished and accomplished career.
Thelma took immense pride in ensuring her family was nurtured, uplifted, and explored all that life has to offer. She thoughtfully designed and curated experiences that were enriching and expansive — orchestrating engaging celebrations, meaningful traditions, and gatherings that strengthened relationships and forged profound and enduring memories.
In addition to her exceptionality in her family and career, Thelma was a devoted educator and visionary community leader. She taught across diverse educational settings within schools and community centers, mentored countless students of all ages, and dedicated herself to expanding learning opportunities for children from under-resourced communities. The breadth and depth of her generosity are immeasurable — she spearheaded initiatives, developed transformative programs, and helped establish foundations that empower others through education and opportunity.
Her ardent commitment to community is reflected in her foundation leadership. Thelma was instrumental in the establishment and stewardship of multiple charitable foundations dedicated to education and providing resources to students in Jamaica, the United States, and abroad. In honor of her mother, a celebrated educator in Jamaica, she established a foundation that creates meaningful and lasting impact — reflecting her unwavering belief that education is the cornerstone of empowerment, growth, fulfillment, and opportunity.
Alongside her husband, a former investment banker, Thelma also owned a thriving business and led community ventures that embodied their shared values of service, purpose, and civic engagement.
Thelma will be remembered for her brilliance, strength, grace, generosity, and profound devotion to family. She carried herself with quiet yet unwavering confidence, inspiring every person blessed to cross her path.
Her love and legacy live on through her husband, Norris (Leroy); her children, Mikael and Natasha; her siblings, Harold, Ralston, Juanita, and Carlton; scores of nieces and nephews; an expansive extended family; and cherished friends. Her impact will continue to reverberate through the countless lives she touched, a testament to an extraordinary life that is profoundly cherished.
