Celeste Pratt Murphy

Celeste Pratt Murphy, known affectionately to all as “CeCe,” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 7, 1943, Celeste was the daughter of the late George (Jiggs) and Louise Stockdale Pratt. She grew up with a deep faith and commitment to education, attending St. Thomas More Catholic School and later graduating from St. Pius X Catholic High School in 1960. She continued her education at Sacred Heart College in Cullman, Alabama, where she met her future husband, Bart Murphy, who attended the neighboring St. Bernard College.

Celeste and Bart married on August 25, 1962. Together, they raised a large and loving family of eleven children. Celeste was a constant presence in her children's lives, volunteering extensively at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Pius X.

Her commitment to service extended to her community. Celeste was actively involved in church groups, such as the St. Gerard Guild, supporting new mothers. She was a dedicated advocate for La Leche League International, an organization that helps breastfeeding mothers through education and friendship, and she organized its international convention in Atlanta in 1979.

After years of transporting her children around town and volunteering for their numerous activities, Celeste entered the workforce in 1984 and eventually owned a successful transportation business, retiring in 2020. She loved sharing stories about driving dignitaries and entertainers, but her favorite passengers were always her family and friends. Celeste was always your guaranteed ride to the airport!

Celeste will be remembered for her unwavering love of her family, her deep faith, her laughter that could fill any room, and her knowledge of Atlanta. She had a way of making everyone feel valued, offering both wisdom and comfort with her gentle presence. Known for her humor, quick wit, and love of a good cup of coffee, Celeste lived each day with gratitude and grace.

Celeste is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Bart Murphy, their eleven children, and their families: Cam Murphy; Erin Murphy, grandchild Elizabeth (Seth) Tanski; Julie Davis (Mark), grandchildren Taylor Davis (Claudia - great-granddaughter Mia) and Murphy Davis; Katie Murphy; Bart Murphy Jr. (Melissa), grandchildren Eleanor and Adelaide Murphy; Carolyn Murphy (Jerry), grandchildren Joseph and Hannah Murphy; Patrick Murphy (Maggie), grandchild Patrick Turner Murphy; Michael Murphy, grandchildren Lila and Emma Murphy; Christopher Murphy (Barry), grandchildren Kate, Graham, and Duncan Murphy; Louise Hogan (Patrick), grandchildren James and Anderson Hogan: Timothy Murphy (Erin) grandchildren Declan and Brennan Murphy.

Additionally, Celeste is survived by her siblings, George (Sharon) Pratt, Julie Sandock, and sister-in-laws Ann Pratt and Judy Pratt, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Celeste was preceded in death by her parents, George and Louise Pratt, and her brother, Andy Pratt.

Her kindness, strength, and joy for life will continue to inspire all who were blessed to have known her.

A funeral service and reception will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on November 25, 2025, at 11:00 am.

Celebration of Life will be held on February 7, 2026

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Celeste’s honor to Plymouth Harbor (https://central-ucc.org/plymouth-harbor/) or Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).