Zelmarine Murphey
"Spirit of Courage" Award Recipient
A native of Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Alcorn State University in 1966. She received a Master of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics in 1980 and Supervision and Administration in 1982, both from Alcorn State University.
Mrs. Murphy's professional career has spanned 47 years in Tunica, MS, Greenville, MS, and Tallulah, Louisiana. In Tallulah, she held various positions: Home Economics Teacher, Director of the Madison Parish Parent Centers, GED Supervisor, and, before retirement, Instructional Supervisor of Secondary Education with the Madison Parish School District.
Mrs. Murphy has served over 27 years on the Vicksburg Warren School Board of Trustees. During this tenure, she served 3 terms as President. She has served on the Afro American Heritage Preservation Board, Mid-South Foundation Board, Save our Youth King's Community Board, Triumphant Baptist Church Educational Board, Vicksburg Public School Booster Board, City of Vicksburg Beautification Committee, Commissioner of the Mississippi Housing Authority, and the Warren County Voter Precinct Manager. Additionally, she is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Council of Negro Women, the Madam C. J. Walker Temple #648 Elks of Tallulah, Louisiana, and the Vicksburg and Madison Parish Retired Teachers Association.
She has successfully served on the Hinds Community College Advisory Board and the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force in Tallulah, Louisiana. She holds regional and national offices with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Mu Xi Omega Chapter and was instrumental in bringing the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to Vicksburg, MS, for the 2015 dedication ceremony of the James "Fuzzy" Johnson Memorial Park.
Mrs. Murphy has awards and commendations for her tireless work in the professional and community service including: Madison Parish Louisiana Teacher of the Year, Louisiana Secondary Education Teacher of the Year, Alcorn State University National Alumni Hall of Honor, Alcorn State University National Alumni Faithful Service Award, Louisiana Association of Administrators Award, Alcorn State University Alcornite of the Year, Dr. Walter Washington – Dr. John Peoples Humanitarian Award, Mississippi School Board Outstanding Service Award, Community Service Award for Tallulah, Louisiana, and Established the School Based Health Center for Madison Parish in Tallulah, Louisiana.
Mrs. Murphy is a strong advocate and supporter of Alcorn State University and a financial supporter of the Alcorn State University Foundation. She is a member of the Alcorn State University "A" Club, Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, where she serves as Historian, and the Vicksburg Warren Alcorn Alumni Chapter. Mrs. Murphy is often seen wearing purple and gold at local, state, and national university events, earning her the affectionate nickname "Momma Brave" from faculty, staff, students, and Alcornites around the world.
She was married to the late Otha "Buck" Murphy, and they had 3 children: Otha, Starling, and Daven, who preceded her in death. She resides in Vicksburg, Mississippi.