Norma Jean Murphy

February 23, 1925 — March 3, 2016

Norma Reynolds Murphy, 91, passed away on Wednesday night at Garden Plaza Assisted Living with family and caregivers around her following a lengthy illness. She was born on February 23, 1925 in Dunlap, TN, but had made her home in Cleveland since her marriage.

She was preceded in death by her husband Judge Earle G. Murphy and parents, Vera and Horace Reynolds. She is survived by her three children, Ron Murphy (Phyllis) of Georgetown, Tn, Elaine Murphy Donoho (Bill) of Gallatin, Tn and Donna Murphy Ratcliff of Cleveland, her grandchildren, Rhoyce Donoho Sloan (Haynes) of Gallatin, Tn, Chris Murphy (Kelley) of Franklin, Tn, Monica Dodd ( Michael) of Dallas Ga, Ashley Donoho ( Misty) of Gallatin, Tn, Marshall Murphy ( Kaye) of Dalton, Ga, Meredith Hancock, Logan Ratcliff (Amanda) and Katelyn Smith (Eric) of Cleveland. Great grandchildren, Ryan Gage Dodd, Garrett Wright, Ander and Aynsley Sloan, Jillian and Olivia Donoho, Caila and Andrew Murphy, Emma Grace Ratcliff and Kylie Murphy Hancock, Keylen Ratcliff, Liam and Layla Smith and Chase Powell. She is also survived by her brother, Wayne Reynolds( Martha Lou) of Dunlap, Tn and Jo Anne Shaver of Dayton, Tn, and many nieces and nephews. The family expresses their deep thanks to Helping Hands caregivers, Roxanne, Regina, Carla, Kimberle, Bertie, Amber and Donna who have been with her throughout her illness.

She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Women having served in local, district, and conference offices. Her work with UMW was one of the greatest joys in her life. Norma and Earle were both very instrumental in the planning and building of the church where it is now located and brought many people into the folds of the church. They were also founders, members, and teachers of the Murphy Memorial Sunday School Class. She worked for many years at Home Beneficial Insurance until she retired to be a stay at home Mom. She also was employed with Avon for several years.

She was a loving Mom, grandmother and great grandmother. The grandchildren and the great grandchildren were the loves of her life and filled a void in her life after the passing of her Earle.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, March 7th at the First United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m.

Visitation with the family will take place from 12:30 until the time of the service. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons and Honorary Pallbearers will be the caregivers of the Helping Hands. Burial will follow at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens. The family requests memorials to First United Methodist Church in Cleveland. March 7th is the anniversary of Earle’s birthday and the family takes comfort in Knowing they will celebrate together.

Grissom Funeral Home will handle the arrangements and service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomserenity.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma Jean Murphy, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Norma Jean Murphy

February 23, 1925 — March 3, 2016

Guestbook