Shirley Ann Murphy

Elm Grove - On May 25, 2014, heaven welcomed Shirley Ann Murphy, 83, after she passed away peacefully at her home in Elm Grove, Louisiana. Shirley was born on January 29, 1931 in Morehouse, Missouri to Walter Merrick and Mercedes Parmley Merrick. Shirley Murphy was an incomparably special individual. She possessed a long and gentle spirit and an unassuming demeanor that belied the immeasurable impact she had on the lives of so many. She was generous and never turned a blind eye to those in need. Above all, she was a teacher both in her role as a Sunday school teacher at Bellaire Baptist Church, where she was an active member for the past 45 years, and in daily life. She had the patience to make a skilled seamstress or a good cook out of anyone willing to learn, but more importantly, she was a teacher of the intangibles; how to love God, that only one's best was good enough, and to always do the right thing above all else. She is survived and missed by her husband of 64 years, Harold Murphy, her four children; Charlie (Lynn) Murphy; Sara Murphy, Michael Murphy, Mary Jane (Frank) Turner; her six grandchildren: Holley (Greg) Smith, Charles (Janna) Murphy, Carrie (Jordan) Barrow, Kelly (Brandon) McGuffee, Rebecca Murphy, Steven Turner; and ten great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Ethan, and Evan Smith: Emily Katherine and Grayson Barrow; Tanner, Taylen, and Tinley Murphy; Sydney and Brody McGuffee and Siblings: Barbara Boyer, Rozella Payne, Bill Merrick, Mildred Kate Winkle, Nancy Early; as well as many nephews and nieces and other family. A special thanks to her Sunday School Class and the members of Bellaire Baptist Church for their love, friendship and support throughout the years. Shirley was predeceased by her parents and one sister, Adah Rowell. At Mrs. Murphy's request, no services will be held. Memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.