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Submitted: 1/28/22 • Approved: 1/28/22 • Last Updated: 1/31/22 • R1416089-G1416089-S3
January 12, 1944 - July 28, 2017
Patsy Ruth Washington Murphy passed from this life to be with her Father God in Heaven on July 28, 2017. Patsy was born on January 12, 1944 in El Dorado, Arkansas. She is the daughter of the late Walter Washington and the late Maggie Bell Bright.
As a child, Patsy spent her time between El Dorado and Spearsville, Louisiana where she stayed with her beloved Grandmother, Fannie (Tice) Gray. Patsy was always a smart child who loved to read. Her academic excellence allowed her to advance two grades. Her intelligence was recognized when she graduated as Salutatorian of Westside High School in Lilly, Louisiana. Patsy continued her education at Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana.
On October 19, 1967, Patsy was united in holy matrimony to Ronald Mark Murphy. God blessed this union with three beautiful daughters, Faith Colette Murphy, who proceeded her in death, La Tonya Renee Murphy Austin, and Rhonda Tracenia Murphy-Belcher. Patsy loved her three little girls, and she taught them to love God, family, and others by example. Her teaching and love for the Lord was carried on with her granddaughter, Sienna Monet Belcher.
She instilled the importance of education in her children. She supported her children in several ways including attendance at Honor’s Day Awards, Choir/Orchestra/Band Concerts, Piano and Dance Recitals. Patsy was proud to see their accomplishments through their educational accolades professional certifications, and Graduate degrees.
Patsy was a member of First Baptist Church, Cordell in El Dorado, Arkansas where she served as a Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher for the Women’s and Youth Classes, Co-leader of the Couple’s Ministry, and an avid worker in the 732 Food Ministry. Prior to joining First Baptist Church, she was a member of Bethlehem and Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Churches. Patsy’s willingness to serve was reflected in several capacities including Red Dot Circle as a youth, President of the Usher Board, Women’s Missionary Society, Young Matrons Choir, Senior Choir, Youth Director, Women’s Sunday School Class, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Deaconess. She was a motivator and she encouraged all youth to achieve spiritual and academic excellence. She also implemented youth programs that recognized and celebrated their academic achievement.
Patsy was not only active in her church, but she also played an active role in her community. She was a Salvation Army Board Member, and volunteered with the Southwestern Bell Pioneers Club. She enjoyed visiting and uplifting spirits at the local Hospitals and Nursing Homes.
Patsy was blessed with a successful career that expanded 42 years with two Fortune 500 companies. She began her professional career at Southwestern Bell for 20 years. She joined the El Dorado Public School District for two years. In 1990, she continued her professional career at United Parcel Service (UPS) where she retired in 2008. In 2016, UPS recognized Patsy’s contribution to the company by inducting her in the UPS Hall of Fame for 18 years of service.
When Patsy was not focused on her church ministries, family, or career, she enjoyed her hobbies. She loved to read, was a photographer for all events, was an art collector, and one of her favorite artist was Annie Lee. She loved the Houston Arts District where she attended operas, ballets, plays, and concerts. In El Dorado, she loved to attend the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. banquet and she attended several exhibits at the South Arkansas Art Center. Patsy was an avid sports fan. She cheered for her favorite teams: New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Grambling State Tigers. When not cheering for her favorite teams at home, she attended the Houston Rockets and Houston Astros games in person at the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park.
Patsy was the matriarch of her family. Her greatest desire was for all her family members to accept the Lord as their Savior and to have a loving relationship with God.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, oldest daughter, and two brothers, Billy Ray Bright, Raymond Bright, and two sisters, Ruth Ann Moore and Shirley Adams.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Ronald Murphy, two daughters: La Tonya (Ricky) Austin, Rhonda Murphy-Belcher, granddaughter, Sienna Belcher, all of Houston, TX., her two Sisters, Peggy (Keith) Joyce Johnson of El Dorado, AR and Alice (Ruben) Faye Briggs of Lewisville, AR. Patsy also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Public visitation will be Friday, August 4, 2017 from 12 noon - 4:30 pm at Sims Mortuary. The family will greet and receive friends from 6-7 pm at First Baptist Church-Cordell. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at First Baptist Church – Cordell with Dr. Pierce Moore, eulogist. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com
Contributed on 1/28/22 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1416089