Washington County, Virginia, Obituaries: Della Murphy Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003 Della Murphy ABINGDON - Mrs. Della Murphy passed away on Nov. 18, 2003, in Vancouver, Wash. She and her deceased husband, Raymond Murphy, had lived in Abingdon from 1980 to 1997. She was born Jan. 29, 1916, in Fairview, Va., one of 11 children of Henry and Rosa Robinette. She married Raymond Murphy in 1946, until he passed away in July, 1990. Della graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 1937 and started a teaching career in Virginia. Della and Raymond had one daughter, Barbara Lynn. In 1955, having moved to Hamilton, Ohio, Della began teaching at Ross Elementary School and retired in 1980. Upon retirement, Della and Raymond moved to Abingdon, where they found a welcome community in the Shady Grove United Methodist Church. Della taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir at Shady Grove United Methodist Church. After retirement, she volunteered at the Senior Center, calling on home-bound people, reading to the blind and teaching adult literacy. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the AARP and held offices in the United Methodist Women and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a master gardener, devoted Christian and loving mother. She is remembered for her generosity, ability to listen and a great sense of humor. In 1997, she moved to Vancouver, to live with her daughter and son-in-law and to be closer to her granddaughter. She is survived by her only child, Barbara Robinette, and son-in-law, David Kolberg, Vancouver; her granddaughter, Abby Murphy Harris, and grandson-in- law, Troy Sean Harris, Vancouver; her great-granddaughter, Olivia Simone Harris (1 year old), and many other loving family members and friends. A memorial and graveside service will be conducted Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003, at 3 p.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Rev. Paul Blessing officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 329 White's Mill Road, Abingdon, VA 24210. The family will visit with friends following the service at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Farris Funeral Service, Forest Hills Chapel, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the Murphy family.