Angela Johnson Murphy's Obituary
Angela Johnson Murphy passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2023 at the fine old age of 91. She filled those nine decades with warmth and love for those around her, a never ending fondness for Christmas, and an unbridled passion for all things blue and gray. The University of Memphis has lost one of its greatest fans.
Angela was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Harold Augustus Johnson and Angela Bruns Johnson. As a child, her family relocated to several cities, including Pittsburgh and New Orleans, before landing in Memphis where she would spend the rest of her days. Angela graduated from St. Agnes Academy and went on to meet and marry Jim Murphy on the day after Christmas 1953. She spent the early days of her marriage in San Diego as a Navy wife, then returned to Memphis to start her family. A better Mom there never was.
She is survived by her children Angela Murphy and husband John Spence (Nashville), Jimmy Murphy (Whitefish, MT), and Daren Murphy (Memphis). Also left behind are her two grandchildren Murphy Spence (Boston) and John Spence IV (Chicago).
Other survivors include much loved nieces and nephews too numerous to name. Holding an especially dear place in Angela’s heart were the “Texas Nieces” Kathy, Amy, Gwyn, Nan, and Jo (Republican though they may be 🙂); Barbara and Dick Perez; Harold and Lisa Johnson and Paul and Ruth Johnson. She also treasured her years long friendship with Robin and Bill Wilson.
Angela was preceded in death by her husband James Raymond Murphy Jr and her son Scott Murphy.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 22nd beginning at 9:30a at St. Anne Catholic Church, 706 South Highland St. A memorial mass will follow at 10:30a, with a bereavement reception thereafter at the church. A private interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the University of Memphis Athletic Department or the Memphis Humane Society.
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