of Russellville, AR

October 14, 1919 - May 7, 2020

Thelma Brewington Murphy, 100, passed away May 7, 2020 at Stella Manor Nursing Home in Russellville, Arkansas.
Thelma Lorraine Brewington was born October 14, 1919, at Patterson, MO, to the late Richard and Lula Brewington. She was predeceased by all her siblings, Myrtle, Mabel Randolph Engelken, Richard Brewington, Jr., Howard Brewington, and H.D. (Derek) Brewington.

She grew up on a family farm in Wayne County, MO, and graduated from high school in St. Louis, MO. She married Aaron Earl Chilton in 1939, and they later had two daughters, Nora Lou and Linda Earline. During World War II, Earl worked on the Great Alaskan Highway, and Thelma was a homemaker. After the war, they moved to Elaine, AR, where Earl owned a sawmill and later worked for White River Drainage, and Thelma worked for Delta State Bank. After Earl's death in January 1960, Thelma moved to Conway, AR to attend Arkansas State Teachers College, graduating with honors in 1963. She taught in the Conway, Little Rock and Helena school districts. She earned a Master degree from ASTC in 1965. She married Earl Feemster of Helena, AR in 1969, and during the next 19 years she would add to her family his son, Don (Sue) and their children, Todd, Shawn and Shannon. They enjoyed traveling and camping, particularly with their Good Sam's Club until his death in February 1988. In 1991, Thelma married Earl Murphy of Helena, AR where they lived until moving to Russellville in 2005. They were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). He died in 2014. Over her lifetime Thelma was an avid reader, gardener, seamstress and quilter. She loved to travel, and she was first to organize fun activities for family and friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Nora and W.A. Crawford.Survivors include her daughter, Linda (Thomas)Tyler of Russellville, AR, and grandsons, Chris (Angie) Crawford of Lambert, MS, Ray (Jessica) Crawford of Lambert, MS, Tad (Valerie) Tyler of Fayetteville, AR, and Aaron Tyler of Highlands Ranch, CO. Her great grandchildren are Chandler and Hayden Crawford of Marks, MS and Caroline Crawford of Lambert, MS. She had many beloved nieces and nephews with whom she visited during the annual family reunions at Sam A. Baker State Park in Wayne County, MO. She combined her children with her stepchildren and their families into one big family. Surviving her are stepchildren Don (Sue) Feemster of Quitman, AR, Kathie (Tom) Hunter and Debbie Murphy of Orem, UT, Sherry (Doug) Duncan of Highland, UT, and Ernie (Sally) Murphy of Senatobia, MS. Stepson Robert (Butch) Murphy and step-grandson Todd Feemster preceded her in death.

A private burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena, AR.

Memorials may be made in her honor to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Or
Arkansas Children's Hospital
1 Children's Way
Little Rock, AR 72202

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Stella Manor for their kind, compassionate and loving care given to our mother and grandmother over the last two years.

Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home (479) 754-2201. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Cox Funeral Home
Rogers & Poplar Streets
Clarksville, AR  72830
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com