Dorothy Maude Heffner Murphy

Dorothy was born on August 23, 1921 in Rogers, Arkansas, a daughter of Oliver Daniels and May (Gough) Heffner. She married Richard Aloysius Murphy on November 15, 1941 in Beaumont, Texas. He preceded her in death on October 21, 2000.

Her brother John Heffner of Gladewater, Texas, sister, Olliemay Ford of Silsbee, Texas, and grandson Charlie Reneau also preceded her in death.

She is survived by eight children, 20 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 70 nieces and nephews from the Murphy, Ford, Heffner, and Neumann families.

She is also survived by a sister-in-law Berenice Heffner of Gladewater, Texas, and a brother in law Ray Murphy of Plano, Texas.

Children and their spouses:

Ginger and Russ Hollenbeck of Fulshear, Texas.

Tom and Glenda Murphy of Crockett, Texas.

Dan and Leigh Murphy of Spring Branch, Texas.

Patty and Ralph Bray of Killeen, Texas.

George and Shela Murphy of Mansfield, Texas.

Connie and Norman Bray of Wylie, Texas.

Kay and Doug Morton of Murphy, Texas.

Ed and Patty Murphy of Fort Worth, Texas.

Grandchildren and their spouses:

Russ and Sarah Hollenbeck of Cypress, Texas.

Joel and Maria Hollenbeck of Maplewood, New Jersey.

Tim and Ali Hollenbeck of Kingwood, Texas.

Scott and Kayla Murphy of Richardson, Texas.

Kate and Andrew Reglin of Allen, Texas.

Aaron and Shannon Murphy of Springfield, Missouri.

Mindi and Mark Wing of New Braunfels, Texas.

Mark Largent of Seguin, Texas.

Andy and Andrea Bray of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Amy and Keith Drozd of Nolanville, Texas.

Kelly and Stuart Sampley of Austin, Texas.

Matt and Carrie Bray of Dallas, Texas.

Mark and Robyn Bray of Wylie, Texas.

Laura Bray of Wylie, Texas.

David and Jennifer Bray of Seattle, Washington.

Christi and Charlie Davis of Garner, North Carolina.

Michael Morton of Austin, Texas.

Jennifer Murphy of College Station, Texas.

Ryan Murphy of Fort Worth, Texas.

Dorothy’s great-grandchildren:

Emily and David

Madeleine, Aidan and Clara

Alice and Archer

Evan, Kaylee, Seth and Shea

Elizabeth and Logan

Ariana, Kody and Rylan

Kali, Kenzi and Kylie

Hannah, Caden, and Lili

Keelin and Kieler

Murphy and Winfield

Bailee and Burkett

Sam and Travis

Abigail and Luke

Holly

Her education was in Beaumont, Texas schools and Lamar Jr. College. Over the years she resided in Beaumont, Silsbee, Houston, Wimberley, Georgetown, Fulshear, and Wylie.

Her life story is abundant with love, faith, courage, compassion, sacrifice, patriotism, and spirited humor. Inspired and loved by so many who called her Meema, she is remembered for her devotion to family, skills as an office manager, activities in Altar Guild and as a Eucharist Minister at St. Mary’s in Wimberley. She is also remembered for her talents in cooking, painting, quilting, card games, especially winning Spinner games with grandchildren, love of music, sewing, especially small comfort pillows. She is famous for her $2.00 bills in birthday cards for every generation.

We are honored to celebrate the life of this incredible woman as daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Dorothy radiated the finest virtues of unselfish care and concern for others, consistent guidance, a thoughtful listener, defender of just actions, tender words of compassion, unconditional love for family, heartfelt gratitude for God’s blessings. She was a graceful example of courage and enduring spirit even in her last days.

She stands tall in God’s Light!

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 12:00 Noon followed by a brief reception in the Parish Hall.

St. Jude’s Catholic Church is located at 1515 N. Greenville Ave, Allen, TX 75002.

Your favorite photos are welcome to share in the narthex.

A Graveside Inurnment will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wimberley, Texas.

Memorial Gifts may be sent to the St. Mary’s Cemetery, 14711 RR 12, Wimberley, Texas 78676, adding note “in memory of Dorothy Murphy.” This will designate funds for perpetual care of the cemetery gazebo built by the Murphy Family.

Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas has charge of arrangements.