Wanda Ann Murphy also known as “Tootie” or “Betty Boop” was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph Brown and Georgianna (Johnson) Barton Brown.
She received her early education in the Harrisburg School District and went on to attend the Barbizon Beauty School and enjoyed doing hair. She was employed by Blue Ridge Nursing Center where she was a Shop Steward for the Union. She loved working beside her husband, the late Carl Murphy, Sr. and her best friends, Crystal Rector and Mary Reid, also known as the “Blue Ridge Nursing Gang”.
In her leisure she loved music, dancing, playing cards, Bingo (Bingo Betty), her friends and “Betty Boop”. She loved any “Betty Boop” related collectible her grandkids could find and Octavia wins hands down. “Tootie” was a people person, she hated bullies and she fought for the little man. She will be sadly missed by many and never forgotten.
On Friday, August 11, 2023 Wanda peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal life in UPMC Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Carl Murphy, Sr.; two of her brothers, Michael Brown and Leroy Brown; her two best friends, Crystal Rector and Mary Reid (They will be the big thick chicks running around in red). She leaves to cherish precious memories of her, her three daughters, Wanda Waters (Trendall), Crystal Brown and Earlanda Holland (Keith); 15 grandchildren; 65 great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; her two sisters, Sheila Lewis (Charles) and Leah Jennings (Jerome); one brother, John Brown (Lorene); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Wanda’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m on Friday, August 18, 2023 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home with viewing and visitation 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
My heart goes out to Sheila Leah and John. Her Daughters Missy, Crystal and Earlanda. All the grands, great grands great great. Praying a prayer of comfort to the family during this most difficult time. Wanda was a beautiful soul so glad I had the time to talk and laugh with her at the Elks affairs. I know how much she meant to all you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle Walker
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To my other family i send my deepest condolences to you all at this time this last decade of being around all of you and getting to know grandma Wanda and sharing the love of bingo with her and aunt Sheila i love you all and i apologize that i could not make it. grandma watch over them and you will be truly missed love you and love y'all
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sheila,leah, and johnie the time we spent together as kids will never be forgotten. Tootie was like a sister to me sorry to hear about her passing. She home with her mother and my mother and no doubt they are talking about us. May God bless you all during your sorrow. going to miss Tootie and her beautiful smile. love from your other sister patty mosten ramsey
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My condolences to the family. Frances Waters
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With my heartfelt condolences to the family, my prayer and thoughts are with each one of Y'all at this difficult time.
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My Deepest Condolences To My Best Friend For Life ( Crystal) Missy & Landa & The Rest Of The Family. May God Continue To Comfort All During These Dark Hours.. Peace Be Still 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Love Always Tesha
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My deepest condolences to my cousins, Missy, Crystal and Landa. May God continue to comfort you during this time. Love cousin, Robin Britton
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Condolences Linda Henderson
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The condolences was from Connie Emerson with the white candle below.
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To the family I send my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Wanda,This is truly unbelievable that she left us so soon. I will always treasure the crazy phone calls and the time we spent together at church.Wanda was a true fighter and she was always there for me when I needed a true friend to talk to about whatever and I will never forget her.when we ended our phone conversation we always said I love you.as the tears are falling I'm saying I love you forever my friend rest in
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RIH Tootie, so glad we got spin time with you and see that warm smile... You will be truly missed. And our Family may the Lord wrap his arms around each and every family member in our time of loss...
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA