Bennie Coreaster Murphy

Mrs. Bennie Coreaster (Rodgers) Murphy was affectionately called “Coe” and “Grandma” was born the 8th child of eleven children to the late John Percy and Attie Mae (Burton) Rodgers, August 24th, 1928, in Talucah (Velhemaso Springs), Alabama.

Coreaster was taught from a child to love God and to be obedient to His word. She was baptized early in life. Also, she was taught that school was important. Coreaster attended Talucah Public Schools and graduated in 1946. After completing high school, Coreaster moved to Akron, Ohio.

In 1954, Coreaster and her young daughter Yvonne, from a previous relationship, relocated to Albion, Michigan. There is where she met the love of her life, Henry G. Murphy, Jr. There were united in marriage and grew old together. Coreaster loved her husband and her family. She was a great worker, and she could throw down in the kitchen. Coreaster worked at Albion College as a cook for many years. Coreaster became a member of the Church of Christ, under the leadership of her brother-in-law, Brother William Murphy. Coreaster was a very active member and a great worker for the Lord. She taught Sunday School for many, many, years, served as president of the Usher Board, a youth counselor advisor, planned church picnics, Easter, and Christmas programs. She found the time to sing in the Church singing group, served in the kitchen and hosted the out of state ministers when the Church had a gospel meeting.

Coreaster served in the community. She was an active member of the Albion Branch NAACP where she received the Emeritus Award by the Executive Board. At one time she was the secretary. She was not all business. There were times when she had fun, bowling and pitching horse shoes. Coreaster was very competitive. No sibling was going to beat her, or out do her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry G. Murphy Jr, daughter Yvonne “Skeeter” Hall, four sisters and five brothers.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory and legacy to 8 grandchildren: Irvin Hall Jr., Corey L. Hall, Delana Hall, Katina Hall-Pogue, Phillip Murphy Jr., Brandon Jones, Demarcus Hall, and Demetrius Hall; 34 great-grandchildren, 44 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great grandchild; brother, Jimmy (Donzella) Rodgers of Akron, OH; brother-in-law,- Frank (Sue) Murphy of Albion, MI; sister-in-law, Maggie Murphy and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Friday, December 2nd, 2022 at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home. Family hour will start at 11:00 am with funeral service beginning at 12:00 pm. Committal will take place at Albion Memory Gardens following the funeral service.