Barbara Lorraine Murdock

Barbara Lorraine Murdock, age 74 of Charleston, IL passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Shephard Premiere Senior Living in Charleston, IL with her daughter Jackie by her side. A funeral Service in her honor will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Steve Morgan will officiate. A committal service will be held at Bethel Cemetery in Lafayette Township, IL. The visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Barbara was born on May 29, 1951, in Mattoon, IL to the late Walter Lee and Lola Mae (Hidlebaugh) Elliott. She married Jack Harvey Murdock on October 26, 1968, in Lerna, IL; he preceded her in death on November 9, 2024. She is survived by her two daughters, Tammy Longcor and husband Trevor of New Braunfels, TX, Jackie Frazier and husband Jim of Lerna, IL; her eight grandchildren: Ashleigh Carman and husband Dustin of Mattoon, IL, Caitlin, Jackston, and Alexander Huber all of Mattoon, IL, Annelle Mae, Quincy, Fynnlee and Aleah Rayne Frazier all of Lerna, IL; and three great-grandchildren, Aarow Ayers, and Remington and Brazen Carman of Mattoon, IL; one sister, Julie Lannon of Florence, MS; and one brother, Alan Elliott of Perdido Keys, FL. She was preceded in death by her mother; and two brothers, Don and Michael Elliott. Barbara was known for her strong work ethic and ability to take on just about anything. Those who knew her often described her as a true “Jill of all trades,” as she had a natural talent for learning new skills and doing them well. Throughout her life, she held a variety of positions, including work as a waitress, seamstress, upholsterer, bus driver, janitorial, kitchen, and factory roles. She shared her talents with several employers over the years, including Progress Manufacturing, Collegiate Cap and Gown Company, Knowles Cafeteria, Mattoon Garment Factory, Bradley’s Upholstery, Lenders Bagels, and Mattoon Community Unit #2. Later in her career, Barbara worked for the Springfield Public School District in Springfield, MO and as a phlebotomist with ParaMed Services, retiring in 2018. Prior to that, she retired in 2006 and moved with her husband, Jack, to Springfield, MO. Soon after, Barbara’s strong work ethic led her back into the workforce. In 2018, they returned to Mattoon, where she remained retired. Barbara was known around town for her hats and had quite the collection. She also enjoyed attending country concerts at Nashville North. In her spare time, Barbara and her husband enjoyed showing classic cars and visiting casinos together. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Barbara Lorraine Murdock

May 29, 1951 - May 5, 2026