Elaine was born on September 19, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Melvin and Mildred (Bray) Murphy. She was preceded in death by her brother George Gentry Murphy, her beloved son Kevin Lee, and her husband of 59 years, the love of her life, Shelby Falconer Etheridge.
A dedicated stay-at-home mom, Elaine poured her heart into her family. She loved her children fiercely and was a devoted and loving wife. She cherished her role as mother and grandmother, finding great joy in spending time outdoors planting gardens and flowerbeds. Known for her remarkable green thumb, she could grow almost anything and enjoyed taking clippings from her longtime friend, Ms. Marie, a fellow flower enthusiast. She was also a faithful member of the Creeds Church of Christ, where she found deep community and spiritual comfort.
She is survived by her children: Mark Murphy, Sharon Marie (Curtis Horton), Brian Falconer, and Sally Anne (Jason Davis); her grandchildren, Brittany Nicole, Chance Collier, and Bailey Cole; and her cherished great-granddaughter Scarlett.
Visitation with the family is June 2nd from 6-8 pm at the Smith and Williams Kempsville Funeral Home. Her funeral is at 11 am on June 3rd at Creeds Church of Christ.