Hunt Co., TX - Obits: Billie Bea Murphy Bonner ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Sarah Swindell USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** We mourn the loss of Mrs. Billie Bea Murphy Bonner (Bea), who passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2004. She was born on September 4, 1933, in Celeste to Emmett Murphy and Josie Bell Killian Murphy. She was a member of the Oak Ridge Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Dale Bonner and wife, Erin Bonner of Dallas and sister, Nadine Lokey and husband Kenneth Lokey of Farmersville. She was preceded in death by her sisters, June Van Cleve, Corine Burns, and Onita Murphy and brothers, Buck Murphy, Gene Murphy, Audie Leon Murphy, Dick Murphy, Vernon Murphy, Joe Murphy, J. W. Murphy, and Bud Murphy. Her difficult childhood (she grew up in an orphanage), and the adversity she faced during the depression years did not change her kind and generous personality. For Bea, strangers were friends she had not yet met. After working for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for thirty-five years, she went back to her small town roots. Her very strong, down-to-earth Texas work ethic did not allow her to sit idle, however; and she continued working on a part- time basis as a US Post employee until recently. Bea enjoyed music and southwest history, but the people in her life were her passion. Her son and daughter-in-law hung the moon; her sister Nadine and deceased siblings she loved immensely; and her two dogs "Cayenne" and "Nutmeg" were the light of her life. She showed her friends and family love on a daily basis through her deeds and not just through words. Her heart was simply larger than Texas. She was loved and respected for who she was, not for the fact that she was Audie Murphy's youngest sister, which many never knew. She was immensely proud of him, however, and of his military career. That pride made Bea a fervent and continuous supporter of our military troops serving our country. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM today at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen with Rev. Stan Fide officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum, PO BOX 347, 600 I-30 East, Greenville, Texas 75403, metro 903-450-4502. (March 10, 2004, The Greenville Herald Banner)