A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi in Warren County, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Alcorn State University in 1966. She received Master of Science degrees in Vocational Home Economics in 1980 and Supervision and Administration in 1982 both from Alcorn State University.
Mrs. Murphy 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 her last position 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 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), National Council of Negro Women, Madam C. J. Walker Temple #648 Elks of Tallulah, Louisiana, 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 having the International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated come to Vicksburg, MS for a dedication ceremony of the James “Fuzzy” Johnson Memorial Park in 2015.
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 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 Vicksburg Warren Alcorn Alumni Chapter. Mrs. Murphy can be often seen wearing the purple and gold at local, state, and national university events deeming her to be affectionately known as “Momma Brave” by 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, whom preceded her. She resides in Vicksburg, Mississippi.