LeMerle was born in Randoph County Alabama, where she became one of ten children born to James Williamson and Arah (Lipham) Williamson. Life in rural Alabama fostered her deep family roots, a strong work ethic, and a lifelong love for travel. Through family connections, she met her first husband Leon Gruber, who persistently pursued her until she married him in 1951, beginning her adventure of living life as a Marine Corps spouse for the next 22 years. The military life offered the opportunity to visit many places across the country, as well as providing them with a new circle of friends as they started a family of their own with two sons along the way.
After retiring from the Corp in 1968, the family settled in Columbus, GA. Rosehill Baptist would soon become the center of LeMerle’s spiritual life, which could be attributed to the firm religious foundation laid by her great grandfather, who founded “Valley Grove Primitive Baptist Church” after the civil war.
LeMerle worked in the sewing industry for many years, using the skills she learned early in life to help those around her. Later, she would transition away from the sewing field and begin helping her sister-in-law, Ruth Gruber at “Ruth’s Curb Market” a longtime family business which was a mix of work, fun, and family.
LeMerle had a love for music, dance, and fellowship, which came from her beloved family traditions of gathering with guitar, bass, and mandolin to sing a few favorite songs. Over the years, she added square dancing, line dancing, and a little bit of boogie, which she continued to enjoy as long as she was physically able.
In 1987, she married Ralph Murphy, who was a fellow square dancer, and the “Two Turkeys” would venture on, traveling and dancing along the way with members of the Phenix City Shrine Club. LeMerle enjoyed working in the Shrinettes and running the kitchen on bingo nights to help fund the Shriner Hospital and children in need. They participated in events across the southeast promoting the cause and having a little fun.
In life, LeMerle was the little train that just never stopped. At home, she was in the yard working her roses and plants most every day, or off to visit family, friends, help at church or a Shriner event. She was most happy when she was busy, moving, and spending time with those she loved.
LeMerle was preceded in death by her parents, her nine siblings, her first husband Leon Gruber, and second husband Ralph Murphy.
She is survived by her sons Al Gruber (Natalia), Doug Gruber (Joyce) and grandchildren Aaron Gruber (Katherine), Mary Jo Gruber, Maggie Gruber, Allison Bullard (Maygan), Christian Gruber, Jennifer Barber (Mike), great grandchildren Summer Gruber, Jonathan Gruber, Emma Barber and Lily Barber, and a wonderful loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and beloved friends.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lemerle's memory may be made to Shriners Children's, www.lovetotherescue.org.
