Coetta Ernestine McMurry

Coetta Ernestine McMurry, 88, of Amarillo, passed away on May 16, 2026. She was born in Quinton, Oklahoma, on November 4, 1937, to Omas James “Shorty” and Arie Mae (Farriell) Mackey.

She married her love, Billy Fred McMurry, on July 21, 1952, in Wellington, Texas. They were together for 43 years until his passing in 1995. Coetta loved music, and whenever she heard it, she would start dancing! Sandra remembers being out shopping with her mom. Wherever and whenever the music started, her mom would grab her and start dancing!

Coetta loved family gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, everyone crowded into the kitchen, cooking and talking and just spending time with family. We’ll always remember the smells, excitement, confusion with all the little kids running everywhere, but most importantly the unconditional love she gave everyone. Coetta will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Fred; two infant daughters, Dale Louise and Karen Sue; a grandson, Daniel Morehead; her parents, Shorty and Ira Mae Mackey; four brothers, Bobby, Mack, Terry, and Richard; and four sisters, Dorothy, June, Nellie, and Margaret.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Fred McMurry and wife Debbie; Joe McMurry; and James McMurry; daughters, Sandra McMurry and Michelle Meraz; a brother, Phillip Mackey, and wife Donna; granddaughters, Angela Stone and husband Michael; Trisha Morehead; Crystal Diaz and husband Roy; Stephanie McMurry; and Lynlee McMurry; grandsons, Bradley McMurry, Marc McMurry, Josh DeLeon, Shawn McMurry, and Matthew McMurry; 16 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 20, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral Home, 3707 Wolflin Ave., Amarillo.

Funeral Services will be held at the same location on Thursday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 6969 E. Interstate 40, Amarillo.