Dorothy Hillman Murphy

Dorothy Hillman Murphy, of Cleveland, was escorted to her heavenly reward by a multitude of angels on Monday, November 25, 2013. She was born on September 1, 1916, in Green County, Mississippi, to James and Ida Hillman. Dorothy was the twelfth child of thirteen siblings: Hattie, Charlie, John, Lois, Cisaroe, Vivian, Jessie Lee, Masie, an infant brother, Arthur, Hatt, and Burlie. Answering the calling to ministry, she later graduated from Bible Training School in Sevierville, Tennessee. Dorothy was a preacher who was licensed on September 9, 1942, with the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee. She traveled with two other ladies early in her ministry, singing, teaching, preaching and holding Vacation Bible Schools. On April 10, 1952, in Fort Payne, Alabama, Dorothy married Henry Murphy of West Blocton, Alabama. Dorothy was a pastor's wife who was a mentor to young women, a Sunday school teacher, a worker in Women's Ministries and more. Following the death of Henry in 1987, Dorothy moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, where she attended North Cleveland Church of God. She served the Senior Ladies Sunday School class as teacher, and was a regular part of the Ladies Prayer and Praise Band. The Unity Class of North Cleveland became a larger part of her life, as well as the Senior Adult Ministry. Dorothy was a partner in prayer with many people and was known for having a "direct" connection with God in prayer. Many young ladies were part of her continued mentoring ministry. Theta Delta Kappa, a Greek club of Lee University, tapped her as an honorary little sister when she was in her 80s, bringing new members for her prayer. Her last six years were spent under the care and watch of Life Care Center of Cleveland workers, who grew to love and appreciate her sunny disposition. Survivors include her son, H. Grady Murphy, and Tyra C. Murphy, daughter-in-law; grandchildren Jordan Murphy, Jenna Murphy Middleton and husband, Gavin Middleton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 29, 2013 in the chapel of Grissom Funeral Home with the Reverend Mitch Maloney officiating. Interment will be held in Forest Crest Cemetery Irondale, Alabama with the graveside service at 3:00 pm CST. The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of God World Missions. (www.cogwm.org) We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Murphy family guest book at www.grissomfh.net.