Dorothy Scott Murphy

Dorothy “Dot” Scott Murphy, loving wife and mother, passed away on October 25, 2014 at the age of 88 in Katy, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” P. Murphy and a daughter, Maxine Murphy. Jack died on October 25, 1997. She is survived by 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Dot was born March 15th, 1926 at the family home in Bunkie, Louisiana. to Roger and Emily Scott. Roger and Emily gave birth to three very loving, beautiful children. Dot had an older sister, Minnie, and a younger sister, Marilyn. Dot and her family attended White’s Chapel Church in Bunkie, Louisiana.

Dot would tell stories of riding a horse to the local store to trade fresh eggs for candy, especially if she came home from school and her Mother was not home. The neighbors across the bayou, Dare and Joyce Campbell, her childhood friends, liked to come over and play 500. Dot also played the clarinet in the high school band.

Dot was a loving big sister. Her friends would tell stories of her rocking her baby sister, Marilyn, and how they could hear her all the way to their house because Dot would try to sing louder than Marilyn was crying. Dot also had to be pulled out from her high school class because Marilyn was crying in her classroom.

Dot attended Southwest Louisiana Institute (SLI) and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She was a member of the SLI Red Jackets and cheered for SLI football team. During WWII, she was appointed an observer for the Ground Observer Corps of the US Army Air Force. After graduation, she moved to Houston, Texas and began working for Humble Oil (Exxon). Not too long after moving to Houston, she met John P. Murphy, Jr. They were married on September 4th, 1948 and were happily married for 49 years.

Dot and Jack spent the first 30 years of their marriage in Houston. During that time, they started a family and raised 8 children. Kathleen was born in 1953, Maxine in 1953, Emily and Dottie (twins) in 1955, Michael in 1956, Daniel in 1957, Shirley in 1959, and Thomas in 1961. (4 children in 2.5 years, 8 children in 8 years 9 months).

Family was very important to Dot and she always looked forward to family gatherings. Her children’s friends were always welcome and it was common for her to prepare meals for more than the ten family members. She also loved gathering with her sisters and bringing all the families together. Minnie, Marilyn, and Dot started an annual family reunion that still continues to this day.

Dot attended all activities of her children and always made her children feel special. Her selfless love towards all her family was amazing and will never be forgotten. While in Houston, Dot formed lifelong friendships. She also shared many fun moments with the Secret Pals.

In 1979, Dot and Jack moved to Fairfield, Texas. While in Fairfield, she was an active member of her church, participated in several bridge clubs, and joined an investment group. The Fairfield home became a wonderful destination for family gatherings. Also in 1979, her first grandchild was born and Dot became Mawmaw. Eventually, she became Mawmaw to 16 grandchildren. Mawmaw loved all her grandchildren very much and always looked forward to their visits. Just ask them about the famous Mawmaw malts.

Dot was an avid card player which she instilled in her children. Family gatherings usually consisted of card playing and wonderful meals. Dot loved playing bridge and became an exceptional player. She regularly played bridge with her friends. One of her bridge groups wagered nickels and she almost always came home with nickels. One of the first games she learned on a computer was a bridge game.

When her adult children would visit, she often played penny poker and rummy royal with them. We all learned to never gamble with Dot Murphy as she always won the pennies. She had a very keen mind and could master almost any game. She still holds the fastest time of the minesweeper game on her computer (10 seconds).

Dot loved her sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins very much and enjoyed spending time with them and they held a special place in her heart.

Momma/Mawmaw will be greatly missed by many but especially by …Kathleen, Harry, Maxine, Emily, Jerry, Dottie, Michael, Daniel, Shirley, Thomas, Holly, Jonathan, Delena, Anthony, Stacey, Nathan, Angela, Tyson, Amy, Will, Kelli, Michael Jr., John, Mark, Julie, Stephanie, Catherine, Ashley, GR, Haley, James, Charlotte, Tony, Eddie, Ramona, Enzo, Chloe, Gavin, Brynlee, Blake, Isaiah, Kylee, Avery, and Samuel.

Dot was known for her loving heart and making everyone feel special. She always saw the best in everyone.

“Just love and play” – Dot Murphy, 2014

Please direct any donations to:

(A historical church and cemetery where many family members reside)

White’s Chapel

Mary Stagg

2020 Hwy. 71 South

Bunkie, LA 71322

or

Click here to view the fund page for Dorothy "Dot" Scott Murphy Tribute Fund

Alzheimer’s Org at alz.org

http://act.alz.org/site/TR?pxfid=251263&pg=fund&fr_id=1060