Rebecca Mallard Murphy

Rebecca Mallard Murphy, 84, of Greenville, South Carolina, died May 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. Becky was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 1, 1942, the daughter of the late Johnny Mallard and Alma Ruth Brandt Mallard.

Becky was a proud 1964 graduate of Winthrop College. After teaching elementary school for a few years in Columbia and Anderson, she moved to Greenville with her husband, William Edward “Bill” Givens. They joined Westminster Presbyterian Church and soon welcomed their children, Shannon and Brandt, raising them in the joy and support of their church family. She began her long career in early childhood education at the church. She enjoyed being a lead teacher in the classroom for many years until she accepted the position of Director of the Weekday School. Her daily interaction with the school community reflected her compassion for the children, her creativity and organizational skills, and her gift of servant leadership. One of her proudest accomplishments was ensuring that everyone in the school family was loved, respected, and treated fairly.

Upon her retirement in 2008, she had time to do more of the things she loved including going to North Litchfield Beach and Lake Hartwell, cooking for her family and friends, giving her time and talents to the church, and volunteering with Hospice. One of her favorite activities was watching her beloved grandchildren play football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, run cross-country and track, and cheer on the Red Raiders.

Becky was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 1981. She later married Robert E. “Bob” Murphy, Jr. who passed away in 2004. She is survived by her daughter Shannon Givens Jaynes (Richard) of Atlanta, her son Brandt Allen Givens (Luci) of Greenville, and her four grandchildren William Lewis Jaynes, Patton Givens Jaynes, William Charles Givens, and Sarah Grace Givens; she is also survived by her brother Jimmy Mallard, sisters-in-law Janice Givens Reiser and Marianna Givens Henry, her niece, Kelly Reiser Boone, and nephews Tommy Reiser and Mike Henry.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 22nd at 3:00PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift in memory of Becky to Westminster Presbyterian Church (address above), or Family Hospice, LLC, 1312 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605.