Annie Gertrude Murphy Harris

Obituary For Annie Gertrude Murphy Harris

Annie Gertrude Murphy Harris

October 24, 1934 - June 11, 2026

Annie Gertrude Murphy Harris, lovingly known to family and friends as Gertrude, was born on October 24, 1934, in Hemingway, South Carolina to John Presley and Ora Bell Cole. The youngest of two children, she grew up alongside her older brother, Sonny Boy, and attended primary and high school in her hometown.

Gertrude was a gifted seamstress whose work was nothing short of extraordinary. From elegant wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses to everyday clothing, church robes, table linens, and tailored suits, there was very little she could not create. Her talent brought joy and beauty to countless lives.

An avid fisher, Gertrude found peace and joy sitting by the water, enjoying God's creation. Some of her favorite fishing spots included Jordan Lake, Falls of Neuse, Topsail Island, and the Chesapeake Bay. She took pride in her knowledge of fishing techniques and selecting just the right bait for the occasion.

Gertrude had a generous spirit and a heart for service. She was known to deliver food to those in need and to assist elderly friends and neighbors by driving them to appointments. She also served her community through voter registration efforts in her district. Blessed with a green thumb, she cultivated a thriving garden and generously shared its harvest with others.

Gertrude was blessed with seven children, whom she leaves to cherish her memories and rejoice in her victories: Willie Johnson, Sr. (deceased), Diana Sanders, Nelson Johnson (Gloria), Annie Elizabeth Boyd (Clindear), Phyllis Ann Little (Dorie, deceased), Ricky R. Murphy (deceased), and Marc Terrance Murphy, Sr.

Thirteen grandsons: Willie Johnson III, Anthony C. (Nell) Johnson, Jermaine Johnson (Melody), Bruce L. Gause (deceased), Timothy R. Gause, Kim Boyd, Corey L. Boyd, Antonio B. Johnson, Keith N. Johnson, Tyler L. Leggett, Javonta Johnson, Nelson N. Johnson, and Marc T. Murphy, Jr.

Seven granddaughters: Janice J. Martin (Edward), Katrina G. Washington (Joesph), Tanisa A. Little, Camessia M. Boyd (Dwayne), Kasie D. Sanders (deceased), Bobbie L. Leggett, and Wanda James

Sixteen great-grandsons: Travious Sanders, Jaylen Gause, Shamar Washington, Joshua Washington, Lavonta Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Deonta Freeman, Xavier Freeman, Donta Freeman, Christian Freeman, Julius Johnson, Darius James, Darion James, Jordan Boyd, De'Andre Johnson, and Stefon Johnson

Twelve great-granddaughters: Imani Gause, Deja Chapman, Kelby Gause, Kassidy Washington, Shanta Johnson, Christina Freeman, Khaiyla Ancrum, Xharia Johnson, Maddison Boyd, Mallorie Boyd, Tyra Johnson, and Alexis Johnson

Five great-great-grandchildren: Amira Freeman, Sonny Freeman, Paris Foxx, Sebastian Foxx, and Nathaniel Malloy

Six In-Laws: Bertha Johnson, Perry Freeman, Tanya M. Mcquire, Ginger Murphy, Bruce R. Gause, and Ulysses Sanders

She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and special friends.

Gertrude was truly a woman of God who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and soul. Her life was a testament to faith, love, service, and resilience. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.

Funeral Service:

Thursday, June 18, 2026
Funeral: 11:00 AM

Location: Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | 2502 NC Hwy 55 | Durham, NC 27713

Interment: Glennview Memorial Park

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