On January 27, 1939, a magnificent baby girl enriched the lives of proud parents, Howard and Ira Mae Murray. Born in Wagoner, Oklahoma this beautiful bouncing bundle, MaeAlla Ernice, instantly became the joy of her mom and the pride of her dad. The eldest of seven siblings, MaeAlla sheltered and protected the younger ones from the time they entered this world. Mae realized her calling as an educator when at the young age of four she became a fluent reader and assisted one of her teachers in instructing the older children. She was also a pioneer in the Civil Rights movement, becoming one of the first six African American students to attend Northeastern State college in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. After earning her degree she served as a teacher in the Muskogee public school system for 32 years before retiring from her assignment as third grade teacher at Pershing Elementary. Her career was filled with special honors and recognitions for her dedication and excellence in the teaching profession. At one point, she accepted the challenge of teaching children with learning disabilities and brought them up to standards, which amazed those who witnessed their progress.

MaeAlla was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and served as President and Treasurer of the Muskogee Alumnae chapter. However, her greatest joys were being a wife, mother, and servant of our Lord. She was united in Holy matrimony to Paul Bruner in June of 1957. To this union three energetic sons were added. Mae accepted Christ at an early age, but in the last 31 years of her life she served in many capacities at Greater Canaan Missionary Baptist church. She truly personified the heart of a servant, fulfilling roles as President of the Trustee Board, Mission Society, and scholarship fund during her tenure. She was also a youth director, and both young adult and women's Sunday school class teacher. In essence, Sister Bruner was a beloved and honorable mother that Canaan will forever hold in high esteem.

MaeAlla was preceded in death by her parents: Howard and Ira Murray, Siblings: Howard Murray Jr, Garnetta Wright, Myrd Lee Ragsdale; and daughter in law, Bridget Bruner. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Paul Sr; three sons: Larry Bruner (Virginia) of Houston, TX; Jerry Bruner of Dallas, TX; Paul Bruner Jr of Muskogee, OK; Special daughter, Lorrie Chapman.Siblings: Curtis L. Murray Sr.(JoAnn) of Somerset, NJ; Maxine Pouncil of Raymore, MO; Patricia Jackson (Roy) of Friendswood, TX; Four grandchildren: Katisha Bruner of Arlington, TX; Paul Bruner III of OK; Natalya Bruner of Waldorf, MD; Laurence Bruner Jr of Norfolk,VA; special "granddaughter" Brandy Logan, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

You are gone from this earthly realm, but forever in our hearts.

The wisdom that you left behind will fill our empty parts.

You were that graceful light that shone deeply in those you loved.

Now you rest in the loving arms of our Father up above.

A Home Going Celebration is scheduled Friday, December 23, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Antioch Church of Muskogee, 500 W. Broadway Street, Muskogee, OK, with Bro. Wallace Brown delivering the message.  Interment will follow in Booker T. Washington Cemetery, Muskogee, OK.

Visitation will be Thursday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Delta/Omega Service will be  at 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations