Doshia Cleo Murphy

PEKIN ~ Doshia Cleo Murphy, 102, of Pekin, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 25, 1923, in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, a daughter of Leo and Dema (Pettit) Martin. Doshia married Eloid Murphy on October 22, 1945, in Marks, Mississippi. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1985, in Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Edward Murphy, Jr.; one grandson, Chad Garls; two granddaughters, Lisa Reveire and Patty Sears; 3 great-granddaughters and one great-great-grandson; two brothers, Doyle Lexton and Ruble Martin; and one sister, Mary Kathleen "Kitty" Murphy.

Doshia is survived by her five children, Barbara "Joan" Dunniway of Pekin; Gerald Murphy of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Evelyn "Sue" Scott of Green Valley, Sheila "Diane" Johnson of Pekin, and Beverly Garls of Pekin; 16 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 36 great-great-grandchildren.

She loved sewing, shopping and growing her vegetable garden. She also loved to travel, play cards and board games, and especially spending time with her family. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Pekin.

Doshia's funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin. Pastor Chip Herbert will officiate. Her visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am also on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TAPS at https://tapsshelter.org/donate/taps-foundation/

Online condolences may be shared with Doshia's family at www. Preston-Hanley.com