<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE RESOLUTION 8
By Akbari
SR0008
002955
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Patricia Ann Jones
Murphy of Memphis.
WHEREAS, the members of this legislative body were greatly saddened to learn of the
passing of Patricia Ann Jones Murphy of Memphis; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Murphy was an exemplary public servant and consummate
professional who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for her fellow citizens in
numerous capacities; and
WHEREAS, born in Memphis on September 8, 1947, Mrs. Murphy was the daughter of
Joe S. and Bertha Jones; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Murphy attended Lane College in Jackson, where she became a
member of the Beta Chi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and served as a member of
the drill team, the yearbook staff, the Pan Hellenic Council, the Cleaves Hall Senate, and the
CYF committee; and
WHEREAS, she became a Golden Life member of the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was recognized as Delta of the Year in 2000; she served
her chapter in numerous capacities, including as chair, financial secretary, treasurer, sergeant-
at-arms, and as a member of several committees. She ultimately served as vice president and
then as president from 2006 to 2008; and
WHEREAS, in her professional career, Mrs. Murphy served the Tate County Public
School System, the Golden Circle Insurance Company, and the Shelby County Health
Department in several roles, earning the respect and admiration of her peers and community
alike for the superior quality of her work; and
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WHEREAS, Patricia Murphy's community involvement included service as a Girl Scout
leader at Pentecostal Missionary Baptist Church and founder of a troop at First Baptist Church
Lauderdale; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her NAACP membership, Mrs. Murphy was a faithful member
and past Worthy Matron of Eureka Chapter #241, Order of the Eastern Star, Tennessee
Jurisdictions PHA, and a charter member of the Memphis/Shelby County Section of the National
Council of Negro Women; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Murphy professed her faith in Christ at a young age and joined Martin
Memorial Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; she later became a member at First
Baptist Church Lauderdale, where she served the Missionary Society, the Crusaders Club and
Choir, the Anniversary Year Steering Committee, the Red Circle Girls, and Youth Encampment;
and
WHEREAS, she was also deeply devoted to her family, and she always endeavored to
remain true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Murphy will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by her beloved
husband of fifty-seven years, Dennis Murphy, Sr.; her daughter, Tamala Murphy-Johnson
(Lloyd); her son, Dennis (Bridgette) Murphy, Jr.; her sister, Joan Jones Harvey; seven
grandchildren; her great-grandson; her godmother, Nettie Martel Givhan; and a host of relatives
and friends; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her parents, Patricia Murphy was preceded in death by her
brother, Kenneth Eugene Gibbs, and her sister, Dorothy Merriweather; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Murphy leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all her chosen
endeavors; and
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WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this legislative body should pause to
remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we honor the memory of
Patricia Ann Jones Murphy, reflecting fondly upon her impeccable character and her stalwart
commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family and friends of Mrs. Murphy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy.