Willaree McDuffie

She was born in Rowan County, NC on October 30th, 1936, to the late Ousie and Sarah Murphy.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl McDuffie, Jr.; her siblings, Verneice, Dico, Duard, Allie, Larry, Nathalene, Hoyt, Alfred, Harlen, and Billie; and her son in law, Gary Chambers.

Willaree was a lifetime member of the Raeford United Methodist Church. She ran Edinborough Restaurant for many years with her husband, Earl. She worked for Hoke County as Assistant Clerk of Court for 25 years. She enjoyed reading, visiting the beach with her family and friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. Lovingly known as Murphy to the McDuffie family, she was a storyteller and loved to tell family history, both her own and her husband’s. Willaree graduated from Landis High School, Class of 1954 where she was captain of her basketball team in high school and was voted most athletic her senior year.

She is survived by her children, Carol Chambers, Mike McDuffie (Robin), Chris McDuffie (Jenny), Jon McDuffie (Christie), and Patrick Earl McDuffie; her two sisters, Gayle Stack and Vivian Murphy; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one special nephew, Marshall Murphy; and her best friend, Evelyn Manning.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to FirstHealth Hospice and her home caregivers, Barbara Daniels, Helen Jackson, and Gail Borg.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 02, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Crumpler Funeral Home.

A service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Brian Perry officiating.

Burial will be in the Raeford City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to FirstHealth Hospice and Raeford United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made on the Crumpler Funeral Home Website.