Joyce Lanell Murphy

Nell was born on September 25, 1932, in Ballinger, Texas to Edna Margaret Keaton and James

Albert Witt. On June 2, 1950, Nell married the love of her life Jack Meredith Murphy and shared over 57 years of marriage together before his passing in 2007. Nell had passion for many things in her life. Nell loved cooking and baking, her fudge chocolate cake, chocolate and peanut butter fudge will be missed by everyone who ever was lucky enough to get one. Nell was always ready to help her kids and family at any time of day or night. She was also ready to help her friends with rides to doctor’s appointments or just run a few errands for them.

Nell loved God with all her heart and was a loyal servant. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas for over 70 years and it did not take long for Nell to find places of service. She served on the Bereavement committee and worked in the Baptist Crisis Center. Early on Sunday mornings you could find Nell helping to set up the coffee table in the James Department and greeting members and visitors at the door, last but not least you will find her in the Dorcas class studying God’s Word.

Nell worked with her husband Jack for many years as a mechanic assistant with Mackey Motor Company and later as the bookkeeper once they went independent in the auto repair business.

Nell is preceded in death by her parents, James and Edna Witt; her brother Bert Witt; her sister Gene McClelland and Catherine Bailey and her husband Jack Murphy.

Nell is survived by her children Jack M. Murphy, Jr. (Lynn) of Midland; James Randy Murphy of Garland, and John Larry Murphy (Roxanne) of Midland and by her 4 grandchildren Rebecca “Becki” (Brandon) Wilson; Jack M. “J” Murphy, III (Danette); Meredith Anne Murphy and Mitchell Young Murphy and 4 great grandchildren, Ashton Elizabeth Wilson, Jack Whittle Murphy, Rhys Gabriel Murphy and Adalie Joy Murphy.

Her funeral service will be on Thursday at 10:00am at the Ellis Funeral Home on 4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas with Michael Hawley officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven North. Please visit ellisfunerals.com to leave online condolences.

The family wishes to Thank Orchard Park Assisted Living of Odessa, Ashton Medical Lodge of Midland and Interim Hospice of Midland for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Midland, Interim Hospice, or charity of your choice.