It is with deep sadness, yet with faith in God’s promise of eternal life, that we announce the passing of Frances Carlene “Sally” Murphy, age 89, on Dec. 13, 2025. She was born on Jan. 6, 1936, in Dayton, Texas. Sally was raised in Kenefick and attended school in Dayton.
Throughout her life, she worked in various places in Dayton and Liberty, most notably for many years at Ryan’s Super Save Pharmacy in Liberty, where she worked for Calvin Ryan. Sally lived her life with kindness, dedication, and a servant’s heart. A woman of strong faith, Sally loved the Lord and sought to reflect His love through her actions. She deeply cherished her family and friends and found joy in caring for others. She enjoyed cooking meals for those she loved, tending to her garden, and nurturing her precious flowers, which she cared for with the same patience and love she showed to those around her. She also cherished spending peaceful moments fishing, always grateful for God’s blessings.
Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loyd Murphy; her parents, Gertrude Octavia Howard and Fredrick Benjamin Howard Sr.; and her siblings, Daisy Hayes, Ben Howard Jr., Don Howard Sr., Barbara Battle, Jacob Howard, Phillip Howard, and Woodie Howard. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Delilah Harthcock (George) of Hemphill, Texas, and Jeffrey Murphy (LaDonna) of Hemphill, Texas; her most treasured granddaughters, Amanda Hicks (Darrell) of Liberty, Texas, and Keri Elliott of Dayton, Texas; her great-grandchildren, Kenzi Miller (RJ), Kutter McKey, Hagen and Charli Elliott, and Brittney Montgomery; and her great-great-granddaughter, Oaklee Miller, and great-great-grandsons, Kade and Kolter Montgomery. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at French Cemetery, 2684 FM 1008, Dayton, Texas. Family and friends take comfort in knowing that Sally is now resting in the loving arms of her Savior.