Thelma Lorraine Murphy

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Cemetery
Maple Hill Cemetery
Helena, AR  

Thelma Lorraine Murphy

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


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7 Condolence(s)
Jack & Phyllis Randolph
Foristell, MO
Liked
Monday, May 11, 2020

Beloved, dear Aunt Thelma. We loved and cherished our time with you.
Jack & Phyllis Randolph

Bobby and Pam Stokes
Russellville, AR
Liked
Monday, May 11, 2020

Our Family loved, loved, loved Thelma and Earl Murphy. They treated everyone like family. Thelma was an amazing woman and we were blessed to know her. She will be missed.

Virginia wiggs
Lambert, MS
Liked
Sunday, May 10, 2020

We are so sorry for your lost I only meet Mrs Thelma a couple of times she was the nice and sweet lady

Lisa Huyler
Russellville, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 9, 2020

My deepest condolences thoughts and prayers. It has been my pleasure to help take care of Ms. Thelma for the last couple years because she was definitely one of the kind and one of the spunkiest ladies I ever met. I'm going to miss her colorful stories about her life, while enjoying a nice glass of milk and a chocolate cupcake. I'm going to miss you my adopted memaw...Love Lisa (Aka Linda)

Alene Bynum
Conway, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 9, 2020

Thelma Murphy was a very forward thinking woman who valued family, God, education, and living her life well. She raised two incredible women who took on every good trait she possessed. Her life was an example for people to respect and follow. So sad for Linda and her grandchildren’s loss but she will let be forever in their hearts

Sis M W
,
Liked
Saturday, May 9, 2020

She was a blessing for sure. I'm blessed to have her as my sister. She was about 93-95 yrs old and came into the FHC at church carrying her FH info with her. She sat down at the computer and stated that she better start working on her FH before it was too late. Time spent with her was never enough. I enjoyed listening to her stories. Heaven has received an excellent angel. Those on Earth who knew her, or even met her in passing, were touched in ways known n unknown. Love n misses from me.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Franks
Russellville, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 9, 2020

You know we love you and thinking nothing but good thoughts for you, Tommy,Tad, and Aaron. You are the best daughter a mother could have. Prayers of peace, my friend. Deb and Jim Franks