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.
A native of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Holloway is a proud alumnus of Alcorn State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1979 and was consistently recognized on the Dean’s List. He later earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Jackson State University.
Before beginning his legislative career, Holloway dedicated 17.5 years to Jackson State University’s Division of Student Affairs, where he served in several capacities, including chairman of the Housing Disciplinary Committee, staff senator, program director and head homecoming parade marshal. He also previously served as director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Hazlehurst.
During more than two decades in the Mississippi Legislature, Holloway has presented more than 150 bills, amendments and conference reports on the House floor. His legislative leadership has included service as vice chairman of the Universities and Colleges Committee, vice chairman of the Ethics Committee, chairman of the Forestry Committee and vice chairman of the Public Property Committee. His committee service has also included Agriculture, Education, Public Property, Rules, and Ways and Means.
Throughout his career, Holloway has been an advocate for education, public service and community development. His legislative work has helped secure funding for his district and Alcorn State University, including support for a statewide scholarship program that has benefited Mississippi students for more than 25 years.
His service has earned numerous honors and recognitions. In 2004, Holloway was selected as a Henry Toll Fellow through the Council of State Governments. He has also received the Jimmy Thornton Legislator of the Year Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award and was named among the Outstanding Young Men of America in 1985. He has also been inducted into the Hinds Community College Hall of Fame.
Holloway’s civic and community involvement includes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP and the Masons. He is a 32nd-degree Master Mason, Shriner and past worshipful master of J.I. Martin Lodge No. 701 F&AM PHA. His service has also included involvement with the Mississippi College Savings Board, Mississippi Head Start Association and South Central Mississippi Boys & Girls Clubs.
In May 2025, Holloway returned to his alma mater as the keynote speaker for Alcorn State University’s spring commencement ceremonies. During the ceremonies, Alcorn State University conferred upon him a Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his distinguished career and service.
Holloway is a member of St. Peter Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A. He and his wife, April Singleton, are the parents of two children, Gregory II and Joshalyn, and have five grandchildren.
Through decades of service in higher education, state government, and his community, Holloway has maintained a commitment to education, leadership, and improving opportunities for the people of Mississippi.