Muriel grew up on the East Coast the only child of Rev. Robert Willington & Mamie Barnes, baptized at her father”'s church, Mt. Sinai Baptist at an early age. At age 9, tumors began to develop in her nose, chest, arms, and abdomen. Some were cancerous and some benign. She was diagnosed with “Thalassemia Disease>” As she grew older she inherited a blood disorder that originated in the Caribbean, similar to Sickle Cell Anemia; for which there was no cure. She also had Lupus, Epilepsy, and Parkinson”'s Disease. This left her believing that she could die at any time. Throughout her 63 year battle she has had over 26 surgeries, however this did not stop her from living to the fullest and providing the same for her family.
She graduated from Dunbar High School and Morgan State College in Maryland. Muriel has spent time traveling from one end of the country to the other in support of her husband”'s U.S. Navy career. In the process of her travels she has been involved in every community organization in which she resided. She has been acknowledged by First Lady Betty Ford, as a Navy wife and community organizer.
In 1993 she made her transition to become a resident of Minnesota. Over the past 20 years she has moved her family to Minnesota and has been vital in the growth of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Yet again, with her last efforts she gave her time and energy to the Phillips Community and especially to the Phillips West Neighborhood in order to create a better environment for not just her family but every family within the community to enjoy.