Mary Elizabeth Murphy, 82, of Cherokee passed away on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital following an extended illness. Mary is the daughter of the late Fred Roberts and Alice Norvell Roberts.
Surviving are children, Carl Murphy, Bill Owl, John Murphy, Archie Murphy, Tom Murphy, Clarence Murphy and Doug Murphy; sisters, Wanda M. Cucumber, Beverly M. Smith of Marion NC, Patricia M. Hornbuckle, also surviving are individuals that Mary considered her children, Henry Dover, Erin Hornbuckle, Sierra Hornbuckle Owl and Christopher Murphy; brothers, Paul Roberts and Hugh Roberts; sisters, Gladys L. Roberts Pennick and Betty Roberts Birchfield of Bryson City. Mary also leaves behind 34 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Murphy; infant daughter Ruby Lucille Murphy; brother, George Tom Roberts; sister, Virginia Roberts Collectt; grandchildren, Alvin Murphy, Denise Beth Rogers, Bo Hornbuckle, Joe Hornbuckle and Wee-wee Hartline.
A visitation was held at Bethabara Church on Saturday, Nov. 2. Mary remained at the church until hour of service on Sunday, Nov. 3. Burial followed in the Murphy Cemetery. Mary’s grandchildren acted as pall bearers.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the final arrangements.