Mrs. Judith "Judy" Murphy was born to the late Mr. Ruben W. Powell and Mrs. Mable Thomas Powell on May 25, 1934 in Newton , Kansas. She grew up in Newton and attended integrated public schools there at the time when Brown v. Board of Education was being litigated in nearby Topeka, Kansas. She graduated from Newton High School in 1953 where she was in the band and other school related activities.
Judith was baptized a member of Second Baptist Church in Newton at an early age. She was active in school and church affairs where she sang in the choir. Her sparkling personality drew many people to participate in church and community events. She loved to skate, enjoyed music, and organized all types of social affairs.
As a yong adult, Judith worked for a number of years as a nurse in Chicago and Texas. She also worked in the area of education, serving students in Muscogee and Chatham counties.
She traveled extensively throughout her life and settled in the Atlanta Metro are twenty-three years ago. While in Atlanta she planted spiritual roots at Central United Methodist Church. She was active an active and loyal member and served faithfully in various ministries including he Usher Board, the Youth Program, Youth Choir, Church Nursery, and Special Events Coordinator.
Judith was also a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star since her teenage years in Texas. She belonged to Pride of Paradis of Newnan, GA since 2000 and held the position of treasurer for six years.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Judith M. Hicks; grandson, Gary Che' Parker; and six siblings, Mrs. Henrietta Ragland, Mrs. Karen Townsend, Mr. Amos HInes, Mr. Ruben Powell, Mr. Chester Powell and Mr. Joseph Powell.
Judith is survived by her husband of 41 years, Mr. Holiston Murphy of Stone Mountain, GA; two sons, Mr. Leland (Tina) Powell of Oklahoma, OK and Mr. Byron (Sylvania) Powell of Fayetteville, NC; five daughters, Mrs. Tina (Gary) Parker of Lithonia, GA, Ms. Gina (Angie) Hicks-Colon of Colorado springs, CO, Ms. Deirdre (Reggie) Henderson of Newnan , GA, Ms. Jeneen (Keron) Murphy of Atlanta, GA and Ms. Beverly Murphy of Savannah, GA; two brothers, Mr. Edwin (Shelia) Powell of San Antonio, TX and Mr. Robert Powell of Michigan; sixteen grandchildren, Christina Powell, Tiffany Powell, Brani Reber, Tameir Powell, Marshannon Powell, Andrew Haskins, Jacob Johnson, Tinisha (Eric) Parker, Hilario Colon II, Ashley HIcks-Caughman, Chaunte' Henderson, Clarence Henderson, Jr., Kristopher Wooten, Keron Murphy, Kamron Murphy and Kacey Murphy; eleven great-trandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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