Dorothy A. Murphy died September 29, 2024.
She was born March 16, 1936, to Herbert and Marion Henson in Syracuse, New York. She was the oldest of three children.
After graduating high school in 1954. Dorothy went on to become a registered nurse. She met her Husband John Joseph “Jack” Murphy in 1956 just before he joined the Navy. While he was serving, the two corresponded by letters and were married March 15, 1958. The couple had a daughter and three sons.
The Murphys relocated to Wesley, Arkansas in 1980 where Dorothy worked as a nurse at Huntsville Hospital, and as a visiting home health nurse in Madison County AR until she retired.
Dorothy enjoyed living on the farm in Wesley, especially sitting on the front porch listening to the quiet and looking at the stars. She also liked to watch figure skating, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, any “judge” show, and cold case murder shows. She always enjoyed family gatherings during the holidays and when we gathered for “the sauce” and friends were always welcome.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Elaine Belcher and husband Michael of Huntsville, AR; son David Murphy and wife Cathy of Elkins, AR; son Michael Murphy and wife Cyndi of Jasper, IN; son Patrick Murphy of Fayetteville, AR; sister Mary Laris of Syracuse, NY, sister-in-law Helen Henson of Syracuse, NY, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husband Jack Murphy, brother Charles Henson, and granddaughter Heather Jenkins.
At Dorothy’s request, there will not be a formal funeral service, but there will be a private ceremony and garden dedication yet to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, or in remembrance of Dorothy, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
I have fond mod my cousin Dorothy. My Aunt Marion Dorothy’s mother was teaching my mother to drive and I spent many a night in the back seat of our 1949 Plymouth picking Dorothy up from work at the hospital.
As a soldier in Vietnam I received many heartfelt letters keeping my spirits up. Dorothy kept me abreast of the family activities. She will be missed. Mickey Henson