Sue Brinkley Murphy Waller

Sue Brinkley Murphy Waller, age 85, of Clayton, NC, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Sue was born on May 24, 1938, to the late Irene Flowers Brinkley Young and Paul Jasper Brinkley. A proud Johnston County native, she graduated from Garner High School and served her community for 30 years at Public Service Company of NC.

There were four things in her life Sue was famous for—faith, family, friends, and coconut cake. Her relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ was the most treasured part of her life. She was a beloved Nana, Mom, Aunt, and friend. Her giving heart and joyful spirit endeared her to family, friends, and strangers alike. Whether in the checkout line, beside the soccer field, or in the stands at basketball games, she never missed a chance to support and brag on her beloved grandchildren. Sue knew how to enjoy every part of life. Out with friends in a red and purple hat or in the yard enjoying the outdoors, Sue found a way to smile. No matter what happened in the room, or what was going on in her own life, Sue would be sure to make you laugh.

Never expecting anything, but grateful for everything, Sue served without hesitation. She was truly the hands and feet of Jesus as she cared for others with home-cooked meals, companionship, and timely advice. Those closest to Sue knew a woman full of grace and grit—resilient and persevering, handling difficulties with unwavering faith and a warm smile. Even in her last moments, she lived out Philippians 2:3, considering others above herself. Written on the walls of her home, and the walls of her heart, was Psalm 118:24. “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” While her family grieves Sue’s loss here on earth, we know that she is rejoicing as she dances with Jesus, something she longed to do for many years.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Lynn Murphy Crockett and husband, Allen Crockett of Clayton; grandchildren, Caroline Crockett and Joshua Crockett; stepchildren, Marc Waller (Fran), Debbie Wise (Bobby), Connie Edwards and Bret Waller; half-brother, Gary Young (Geri); four nieces, Sherry Marlow (Lee), Denise Sullivan (Randy), Paula Brinkley (Craig) and Jane Hardy; four nephews, Paul Brinkley (Angie), Michael Young (Patty), Kevin Young (Melissa), Chris Capps (Sonya), brothers-in-law, Bill Waller and Alan Hawkins; sister-in-law, Karen Taylor (Emmette); 7 step grandchildren and 9 step great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Sue is also preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Jerry Murphy; her second husband, Burgess M. Waller; sister, Evelyn Faye Brinkley; brother, Paul Sherwood Brinkley; sister-in-law, Betty Brinkley and a cousin, Doris Jean Jones.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 2:00 pm in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the services beginning at 1:00 pm. The entombment will follow the services at Pinecrest Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hocutt Baptist Church 314 W. Horne St. Clayton, NC 27520 or to the American Cancer Society (www.donate3.cancer.org).

Her family would like to thank her faithful friends Glenda and JR Hall, as well as her extended loving family, friends, pastors, Sonshine Sunday school class, Dr. Shah and the nursing staff of 4700 wing at Duke Raleigh for their love and care. We are confident she entered heaven with Jesus reaching out to her with his open arms as she joyfully heard the words, “well done, my good and faithful servant.”