Mrs. Alice Jean Murphy

September 27, 1935 - February 25, 2019

“For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand; I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not me only, but unto but unto all them also that love His appearing.” II Timothy 4:6-8 Mrs. Alice J. Murphy, daughter of the late Pearlie Thompson and Mylie Payton-Thompson was born on September 27, 1935 in Ayden, North Carolina. She was the youngest of five children. She received her formal education in the public schools of Pitt County and Onslow counties in North Carolina and graduated from Ayden High School. Being reared in a Christian home, Mrs. Murphy’s Christian journey began at a young age. She joined Zion Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Ayden, where she was a faithful member until she moved to New York. In November 1952, Mrs. Alice Thompson was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Arthur Lee Murphy. They were married almost 60 years until they were parted by his death in 2012. This union was blessed with four children, one daughter, Lisa, preceded both of them in death. In the 1960’s Mr. and Mrs. Murphy relocated to Brooklyn, New York in hope of better economic opportunities. She joined Messiah Baptist Church and later moved her membership to Greater St. Stephen United Church of God, where she remained until her passing. She was a faithful member and attended church regularly until her health failed. She retired from New York City DSS/HRA in the SNAP program division. Alice possessed a feisty, yet friendly and outgoing disposition with a warm heart. She loved her family and was always concerned for their well being. Together she and her husband worked to provide a college education for all of their children. Alice insisted that they get an education to have a better life for themselves. Sean and Debbie both retired from the New York City Department of Corrections and Gregory Murphy retired from the New York Jets. In her leisure, Mrs. Murphy often watched football games, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and her favorite soap operas. She also enjoyed word puzzles, scratch-offs, and loved cooking big soul food meals for family and friends, and talking about the good old days. She provided for a foster child, Josahara Calhoun, for ten years to offer her a better life. Mrs. Murphy also had many dogs and she loved them all. On Monday morning February 25, 2019 at her home, the angels swept towards the heavenly skies and carried Mrs. Alice Murphy to her heavenly rest on high. Her long journey has been completed and rewarding. Her loving and precious memories will be cherished by her children Gregory Q. (Brenda) Murphy of Brooklyn, New York; Debbie M. Murphy of Staten Island, New York; and Sean P. Murphy and Tarsha Lowery of Briarwood, New York; one granddaughter Yolanda E. Murphy of Brooklyn New York; sister-in-law Catherine Murphy of Brooklyn, New York; brother-in-law Leamon Murphy of Sheffield, Alabama; one Godson Tyrone Mckeithan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and dear friends, and her four-legged companion Hazel Gray. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Lee Murphy, and four sisters: Dorothy Foy (Willie), Rebecca Jones (Charlie Boy), Verna Harrison (William), and Edna Payton (John).