Marion Emerson Goodman Murphy

Marion Emerson Goodman Murphy, age 99, passed away Friday January 21, 2011 at home. Born in Columbia, SC on January 3, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Mr. Lewis A. and Marion Sanders Emerson. Educated in the Columbia City schools and Virginia Intermont Junior College, Bristol, VA, she was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC and a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was elected freshman representative to the Honor Society, a member of several organizations, a member of the May Day Court her senior year. Upon graduation she was the female recipient of the prestigious Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award presented for unselfish service during her four years at the university. Her first husband, Harold M. Goodman died December 1, 1963. On January 4, 1986 she married Edward Michael Murphy of Salisbury. He died July 23, 2007 Mrs. Murphy was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, having taught Sunday school for several years, Councilor of the Young People’s Service League, president of the Episcopal Church Women, president of the Altar Guild, having been a member for over fifty years, and a Bazaar Chairman. She was the first woman ever to be elected to St. Luke’s Church Vestry. Mrs. Murphy was active in the community, serving as a Gray Lady of the American Red Cross during World War II. She served on the board of Rowan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the board of Friendship House as well as serving as president. She was a charter member of Ex Libris Book Club and the Tuesday Bridge Club. She and her husband gave the Waterworks Gallery the “Edward and Marion Murphy Art Library” which was dedicated in December 1995. She is survived by her sister Troy E. McLaughlin of Columbia, SC, brother Lewis C. (Doc) Emerson of Oak Ridge, TN and three sons, Harold Kent Goodman and wife Gloria of Johnson City, TN, Sanders Emerson (Sandy) Goodman and wife Judy, and Richard Park (Dick) Goodman and wife Elizabeth all of Salisbury. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Catherine G. Tate (Russell) of Greenville, SC, Bradley K. Goodman (Jane) of Raleigh, H. David Goodman of Salisbury, Marion G. Branan (Bart) of Charleston, SC, G. Andrew Goodman (fiancé Alyson Burch) of Charleston, SC and Charles E. Goodman (Kelli) of Raleigh. Mrs. Murphy is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Nicholson, Evan and Emerson Tate, Charlie and Hal Branan, and Emery Goodman. Extreme gratitude to caregivers Tammy Smith, Brittany Wear, Katrina Quimby, Liz Wear, Janette Yost, Rowan Regional Hospice and Dr. Myron A. Goodman. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday January 25th at 2:00 PM officiated by the Reverend Whayne M. Hougland, Jr. Visitation will be after the service in the Parish House. Private interment. Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 131 West Council Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or the donor’s choice.

Marion Emerson Goodman Murphy

January 3, 1912 - January 21, 2011