Dot Knight Murphy

Dot Elaine Knight was born to Faye Christine Blackmon and Andrew Jackson Knight in Lancaster, South Carolina on February 2, 1930. She was active and well until she died of heart failure at her home in Fairfax Station, Virginia on October 20th. In October 1948, Dot married William Franklin Murphy, Jr. to whom she was devoted until his death in January 2014. As an Army wife, she lived in France and Okinawa where she took leadership roles in supporting military families through the Officer’s Wives Clubs. She was a loving mother to four children and cared for them alone during her husband’s tours of duty in Korea and Southeast Asia.

Dot derived deep satisfaction from her career as a technical librarian supporting scientists at the US Army Engineering Topographic Laboratories at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

The Murphys were stalwart members of Ravensworth Baptist Church in Annandale, Virginia since 1967. Dot served as deacon and in many other capacities including 50 years on the flower committee and supporting the Christian Women’s Network of Cuba, the National Farm Worker Ministry, and the Palestine Israel Network. Her spirit of gentleness and grace touched three generations at the church. She was an active volunteer throughout her life including as a Gray Lady in military hospitals and blood donor coordinator at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. Dot and Frank enjoyed ushering at Arena Stage for 30 years.

Dot is survived by her children Kathy Fleming (Deryl), Janet Murphy, William Murphy (Paulo De Almeida), and Laura Hyatt (Robert, deceased); grandchildren Andrew Molchany (Holly), Carly Clements, Kendall Clements, Jessica Lambert (Wayne), Joseph Hyatt (Carolyn), Catherine Parker (Nicholas), and step-granddaughter Lisa Housden (Charles); and eight great-grandchildren. Her surviving siblings are Thomas Jackson Knight, Shirley Allen, and Nancy Williams. Condolences may be made on the website www.demainefunerals.com. A memorial service will be held at Ravensworth Baptist Church on November 13th at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive guests beginning at 12:30 p.m. Masks are required for all gatherings. The service will also be livestreamed at www.ravensworthbaptist.org. Burial with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery will occur at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Ravensworth Baptist Church to support the aforementioned missions. Contributions may be made online or mailed to Ravensworth Baptist Church, 5100 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, Virginia 22003.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the MURPHY family.