Helen Dorothy Murphy was born on May 27, 1931 in New York City, the only child of Helen and Charles Cunningham. She married William Murphy and had three daughters.Together with Bill, she traveled around the world, eventually landing in Kingwood,Texas where they built their forever home.
Helen enjoyed singing and had a beautiful soprano voice. She met Bill in church choir and they continued to sing in choirs of every church they ever belonged to. In Kingwood, that was the First Presbyterian Church where they were longtime members. Helen sang at numerous weddings, and at Christmastime, “O Holy Night” was always in demand.
Helen was also a great cook. She made a salad every night with her own hard-to-copy, never-measured, ever-changing mix of spices salad dressing – and Helen didn’t even like salad! Her baking skills were equally impressive. Regular Sunday dinners, were held in the dining room, using all the good china, silverware, cloth napkins and crystal. No one was allowed to the table in anything less than their Sunday best. Helen was teasingly called “Emily Post” by her children.
Helen enjoyed her ladies Bible study and a few other social gatherings but the most important part of Helen’s life was her family. Her mother lived with them until her death at age 94. Helen was also devoted to her grandchildren whom she often cared for before and after school.
Helen is preceded in death by her mother and her husband, to whom she was married 65 years. She leaves behind her three daughters, Lynne Baldwin, Gayle Anholt and Karen Neinast (Mark Neinast), 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
During these unusual times, a private family inurnment will be held with a celebration of Helen’s life to be scheduled at a later date. At this time, we encourage all who knew Helen to share their thoughts and prayers on the website at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/helen-murphy-9222422
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests consideration be given to memorial gifts:
Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Research or The Baylor Alzheimer’s Foundation.
