Madalyn Murray O' Hair was finally laid to rest along with her son, Jon and grand-daughter, Robin after several years of searching for their remains. Their cremated remains were placed in a single unmarked grave in late March to discourage the curious. There were no cameras, no reporters, just her estranged son, Bill Murray, who ironically, is a Christian evangelist. He was accompanied by a few law enforcement officers.

Having mysteriously disappeared in August 1995, friends and relatives always suspected foul play. Police followed leads on the case, but always came up empty handed until January of 2001. It was then that David Waters lead them to a shallow grave in Central Texas. Though her supporters protested the burial, son Bill said, "The last five years have been a circus...now we can have closure." Even as the ceremony was being conducted, members of the American Atheists were planning a lawsuit for possession of her remains.

What is ironic is that she was buried by a Christian minister who "happens" to be her own son. Having fought school prayer and succeeded in getting legislation passed that prohibit prayer in public schools, it was appropriate, but sad that "no one prayed for them...no one prayed near them," said her son.

What a hopeless end. What a contrast to the life of the believer in Christ. Paul encouraged the disciples in Thessalonica saying, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." Later in this passage, he urges those of faith to "Be joyful always, pray continually "-1 Thess. 4:13-14; 5:16.

Poor Madalyn, she didn't have a prayer!