Evelyn Smith Murphy

Evelyn was born the 31st of August 1923, in Houston, the daughter of Ben Wathen and Effie Forman Smith. In 1944, she married Walter Dewitt Murphy in Houston, and she and “Papa” together enjoyed 55 years of marriage and family.

She was a graduate of Rice Institute (University) and continued her support for the school throughout her life. She was Vice President of the Rice Alumni Association and Chairman of Homecoming. Evelyn was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church and served several times as moderator of the Presbyterian Women. For many years she participated in the Blue Bird Circle, a charitable organization funding pediatric neurology research in Houston. She served in several positions, including President. She also served on the board of Holly Hall. Together with her husband, Evelyn tutored at-risk youth at the Nehemiah Center in Houston, a special project of the First Presbyterian Church.

As a life-long resident of Houston, she felt privileged to maintain many close friendships. Special interests she shared with friends were bridge and dancing, both of which she continued throughout her life.

Evelyn maintained a unique friendship and monthly luncheon with six girls from her sixth grade class at Lanier Junior High School. Some of the girls even met at the nursery school "Cradle Roll" at Second Presbyterian Church. All six were members of the second graduating class of Lamar Senior High School. Also, her renewed friendship with E. Clifton Wilson, another friend from sixth grade, was especially meaningful in later years.

Survivors include daughter Martha Murphy Folk (William) of Columbia, MO, daughter Peggy Dewitt Murphy Wilson (Asa) of Ypsilanti, MI, and son Walter Dewitt Murphy Jr. (Cynthia) of Houston. Grandchildren include Jennifer Muno, Torrey Palmer, Benjamin Wilson, Henry Wilson, Meghan Murphy and Meredith Murphy. Great grandchildren include Peter and Cyrus Muno, Ella and Jane Evelyn Palmer and Beckett Wilson. Evelyn paid loving attention to the well-being of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved and cherished each of them.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Effie Smith, her husband Walter and her brother, Ben Smith.

The family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation for the devoted and loving care of the staff at The Hallmark as well as the kind and loving support of the staff of Vantage Hospice.

The family will gather at a later date for a private memorial service at The Hallmark in Houston. Followed by a private inurnment at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family to celebrate Evelyn's life during a reception to be held from four o’clock in the afternoon until six o’clock in the evening on Saturday, the 17th of August, at The Hallmark, 4718 Hallmark Drive in Houston

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contribution may be made to the Blue Bird Circle by visiting www.bluebirdcircle.com or the Nehemiah Center by visiting www.nehemiahhouston.org