Jane Murphy

Jane Elizabeth Simms Murphy, born June 5, 1943, was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, whose life was marked by creativity, faith, and a deep love for her family.

A Virginia native, Jane began her career as a secretary for the United States Navy, where she met J. Stewart Murphy, a young naval officer who became her husband and lifelong partner. Stewart’s career took them from Virginia to Missouri, Indiana, and finally Mississippi. Jane often said she could be happy anywhere, and she made every new home a welcoming place filled with warmth, beauty, and love.

Jane was the proud mother of four daughters: Sharon, Mary Jane, Debbie, and Suzie. She poured her heart into her family and expressed her love through countless acts of thoughtfulness and creativity. A gifted cake decorator, seamstress, and artist, she decorated beautiful cakes for family celebrations and lovingly made Easter, First Communion, and wedding dresses for her daughters. Her talents were many, but her greatest joy was sharing them with the people she loved.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found many ways to serve her church community wherever she lived. During her many years at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood, Mississippi she enjoyed being an active member of the Women’s Guild. She loved making crafts for church bazaars, serving on the bereavement committee, participating in Eucharistic Adoration and small study groups, as well as decorating the church for liturgical celebrations as well as parties and celebrations. Whether creating something beautiful with her hands or offering comfort to someone in need, Jane gave generously of her time and talents.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Known affectionately as Nana, she delighted in making crafts with them, passing along her creativity and creating treasured memories that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Those moments spent creating, laughing, and being together will remain among their most cherished gifts from her.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J. Stewart Murphy, and her parents, Dorothy Talbott Simms and Edward Simms. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Simms Keck; her four daughters, Sharon Murphy Hayes (Michael), Mary Jane Murphy Lemon (Patrick), Debbie Murphy Howard, and Suzanne Murphy Bullock (Lee); and her beloved grandchildren, Jennifer Griffin, Ryan Hayes, Austin Hayes-Treherne, Ashley Allen, Wilson Howard, Jay Lemon, Murphy Lemon, Ben Bullock, Bridget Bullock, Brendan Bullock, and Brooks Bullock.

Jane leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, creativity, and devotion to family. She had the rare ability to show her love through the things she created and the lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave, the traditions she passed down, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

The family sincerely thanks the hospice team for their compassionate care and comfort. In honor of Jane’s faith, memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Catholic Charities of Jackson, Mississippi, P.O. Box 22863, Jackson, MS 39225-2863, or made online at www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org.