Evelyn Sparks Murphree

Evelyn S. Murphree, 89, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from Dalraida Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Evans officiating. Visitation will follow the service on Sunday with a private family graveside being held on Monday. Mrs. Murphree was born on June 13, 1923 in Cullman, AL to Horace and Velma Sparks. In 1943 she married Kenneth N. Murphree and briefly lived in Fairhope, North Alabama, and Texas before settling in Montgomery in 1953 where they lived out their lives centered on family, church, friends and a beautiful property that they created together and shared with all those they loved. Mrs. Murphree worked for the East YMCA, Montgomery Library, and Alabama State Health Department from where she retired in 1984. She will be remembered as someone who viewed life with innocence and grace, always seeing the best in every person and circumstance, leaving a legacy of strength, faith, and love in its purest form. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth N. Murphree; her parents, Horace and Velma Sparks; and two brothers, Verbon (Inez) Sparks and “Dutch” (Helen) Sparks. She is survived by one sister, Veda (Evon) Craft; and two daughters, Joan Thornton (Bob), Ginger Crook (Richard); four grandchildren, Kip Thornton, Matt Thornton, Rachel Barley (Britt) and Robin Darby (Clint); and also six great-grandchildren, Brandon, Aaron and Kendall Thornton, Kaitlyn Salyers, Britt Barley and Leland Darby.