Ann Gray Murphy

She was born the youngest child of Harvey W. Gray and Nancy L. Gray on January 9, 1944 in Laurel, MS at the Boone Clinic. Her siblings are Col. Harvey Gray, USA, Ret., Vivian Pitts, & Marvin Gray. Having a father who was born in the 19th century and a mother at the turn of that century, she was reared in a home that was influenced by many different ages. She graduated a year early from Sandersville High School in 1961. She was studious and enjoyed being a majorette. She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas “Tom” A. Murphy, and they were happy for 58 years. She is an alumnus of Mississippi University for Women having graduated in 1965. Her baccalaureate is in Home Economics. She later attended the University of Southern Mississippi and became a certified elementary education teacher. She retired from the Ocean Springs school system with a distinguished career having taught all elementary grade levels. Following her marriage to Tom, she resided in Texas, Germany, Long Beach, MS, Ocean Springs, MS and Ridgeland, MS. She was an avid cook who could rival many chefs, and she was a superb seamstress. She also enjoyed hosting her friends and family in her home. She was active as a sister of Philanthropic Educational Organization. She was ever involved in outreach to those in need by serving with several charitable organizations. She maintained a strong faith in Christ and attributed all to him.

She is survived by her spouse, Thomas A. Murphy; her children: Thomas G. “Greg” Murphy (Laura - former), Nancy M. Herrero (Edward), & Dr. Jason G. Murphy (Susan); Her grandchildren: Kieran Murphy, Anna Herrero, Lydia Murphy, Emma Herrero, & Kristiana Murphy; and her siblings: Vivian Pitts (94) & Marvin Gray (82). She is predeceased by her parents and Col. Harvey Gray, USA, Ret.

The memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS (1611 Highland Colony Parkway) on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm. This will be preceded by a visitation at 1:00 pm. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11:00 at Erata Cemetery (40 Erata Rd., Laurel, MS 39443), the place of her interment.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc. (cjdfoundation.org). Her family would like to thank St. Dominic’s Neuroscience Center and Dr. Ruth Fredericks for her excellent medical care.

Matriarch, steward, and teacher.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Murphy family.