Dolly Murphy

DOLLY LEE MURPHY Beloved mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. On June 14 our precious mom left her earthly home, surrounded by her loving family, to start her eternal life in heaven, finally reuniting with her beloved Don. Dolly was born November 11, 1934 in Axton, Virginia to Minnie Belcher Rumley and James Berkley Rumley. In 1949 while selling programs and collecting gate fees for the Axton Mountaineers baseball club, mom met the love of her life Don Murphy. They were married August 6, 1953 and began their 51 year adventure together. One son Phillip was born and passed away in 1954. They were then blessed with the luckiest kids ever, Mindy, Cindy, Debbie, and Jamie. Mom followed dad around the country and overseas during his long military career, making many wonderful friends along the way. After his retirement in 1970 they moved to Huntsville where it did not take long for them to become involved in the community, especially with young people. Miss Dolly, as she was affectionately known, did so much and had a positive impact on many lives during her lifetime. In high school she was All-state basketball, All-state public speaking, Class Beauty and Most Popular at Axton High. She even modeled as a young adult in Copperas Cove, Texas. During the 1960s she was on a traveling bowling league as well as a traveling softball team. In the 1970s she was a Girl Scout leader and helped found the American Junior Bowling Congress in Huntsville. From 1975 – 1990 Don and Dolly helped reorganize the Huntsville Boys Baseball Association. Proceeds from the concession stand they operated contributed to the construction of a new playing field. Many Sam Houston State basketball players enjoyed home cooked meals in mom’s kitchen when they could not get home for the holidays. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel special with a hug, and a "hello doll baby" or "angel penny". For the last few years Dolly loved being a member of the "Young-Uns" her gospel singing group. She looked forward to the fellowship and company of everyone that attended the weekend singing events. Dolly worked part time at the Little Pizza Heaven in Riverside. The owner Wes Bartee, his family, her co-worker friends, and the loyal customers brought her much joy and satisfaction. Her desserts and chicken & dumplings will be missed by all. Dolly was dedicated to her family, living her life around her kids, grandkids and great-grand kids. She loved her church family at Dodge Baptist Church, and the Lord with all her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Phillip, brothers Robert and Pedro Rumley, and her beloved husband Donald R. Murphy. Left to cherish her precious memory are daughters Mindy and husband Byron Bush of Abilene, Texas; Cindy Wells of Huntsville, Texas; Debbie and husband Mike Wells of Montgomery, Texas; son Jamie Murphy and wife Amy of Jacksboro, Texas. Grandkids, Donnie Wells and wife Meshelle, Angela Bush Miller and husband Brad, Jonathan and Amber Guzman, and Brent Nail Murphy. Great grandkids, Javon Wells, DJ Murphy, and Shawn Miller. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Jackie Heavener of Flint, MI., and Nellie Rumley Poole of Huntsville as well as many nieces and nephews. You have only been wrong once in your life Mom, it was not easier this time. We love and miss you so much. The family would like to give special thanks to everyone for their wonderful support and comfort. And special thanks to the nurses and staff of Huntsville Memorial Hospital and Lighthouse Hospice, and a very special thanks to Bro. Willey Dorman. Service will be in Huntsville, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Wednesday, June 17, 10AM. Burial will follow at Brooke Cemetery on FM 980. Jason Bay officiating. Pallbearers; Donnie Wells, Jonathan Guzman, J.B. Rumley, Dewayne Rumley, Joe Dale Chick, Wes Bartee. Honorary Pallbearers; Bob White, Chris Prewitt, Cody Ginsel, Joe Pervis. Memorial condolences may be made to the family online at www.shmfh.com

Dolly Murphy

November 11, 1934 - June 17, 2009