Geraldine Wilkinson "Gerry" Murphy passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026. She left this life and went to be with her Lord, very peacefully at her daughter's home, where she had lived for the last 13 years.
She was 101 years, 5 months, and 2 days old (she wanted to count every day!). She attributed her long life to having picked cotton when she was young. If anyone told her of some ache or pain they had, she would say: "You should have picked cotton!"
Gerry was known to be a very loving, giving person and was loved by everyone who knew her.
She sold shoes for many years; first at Greenwood Shoes, then Cobbler's Corner, and finally at Stander's Young Fashions. She then started babysitting in her home and was very proud that every child she babysat could read by the time they began Kindergarten.
Gerry loved all sports, most especially football and baseball. She could give you stats on almost any player from McNeese, LSU, the Green Bay Packers, and the Atlanta Braves from way back in the 1950's! She will be remembered for many things, but especially for her pies, fried chicken, and cinnamon rolls, which were made for anyone she knew.
She is welcomed into heaven by her parents, Hiram and Helen Wilkinson; her loving husband of 60 years, A.W. Murphy; her son, Larry Murphy; and 14 siblings, Elaine Lewis, A.C.Wilkinson, Hallie Ewalt, Moyse Wilkinson, Harold Wilkinson, Christine May, Dollie Roy, Frank Wilkinson, Edward Wilkinson, Nadine Carter, Flora Cerdes, Richard Wilkinson, Louis Wilkinson, and Betty Melancon.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Nancy McCann(EJ); her son, Russell Murphy; grandchildren, Michael Murphy, Jason and Rachel McCann, and Corey and Suzanne McCann; great-grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Murphy of CA, Julie and JJ McCann of Cypress, TX, and Remie McCann of Lake Charles, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice in Lake Charles for their fantastic service. They took great care from the aides, nurses, and social workers to treat her with dignity and respect. We appreciate everything y'all did for her.
Memorial Visitation will be held at J. E. Hixson & Sons, 3001 Ryan St, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601, on October 28, 2026, from 10:00 am until the memorial service starts at 1:00 pm.
Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Gardens, 6325 Common St, Lake Charles, LA 70607, on October 28, 2026.
