R. Christina Murray, 87, of Wachapreague, Va., died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born April 7, 1915, in Monroe County, Miss., daughter of Henry and Reba Weaver Grady. She and Norman Murray were married in February 1948 in Cape Girardeau. He died in May 1992.

Murray was a graduate of Hayti High School, attended Southwest Missouri State University, and received a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

She taught two years at Kewanee, Mo., then attended air traffic control school in Kansas City, Mo. Murray was an air traffic controller 16 years and the first woman in that position at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. She was also a controller at Kennedy Airport in New York City, and was a teacher many years on the East Coast.

Murray had lived in Cape Girardeau since October 2001. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Survivors include a sister, Grada Naeter of Cape Girardeau.

Friends may call at Christ Episcopal Church after 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. The Rev. Robert Towner will officiate. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.