Ertis Cleo Murphy

Ertis Cleo Murphy, beloved mother, Granny, sister, and friend went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2024. She was born in Kilgore, Texas on January 11, 1933, to the late John Edward and Georgia Lucille White. She was proceeded in death by the love of her life and husband of 38 years, Joe Don Murphy.

Ertis was a shining light to all who met her, and she never met a stranger. She never forgot an anniversary or birthday and had a true gift for making you feel special. Her love of the Lord was evident to all who knew her, and she made sure to instill that same love to her family. 

Ertis grew up in Kilgore, Texas with her parents and 5 siblings. She met Joe Don at age 10 and by her senior year they knew they would marry. They went on to raise 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. She made our family what it was, she was our anchor. Mrs. Murphy was a long-time member of Forest Home Baptist Church where she was beloved by all. Ertis was also an employee of Walmart pharmacy where her love of serving others continued. Her biggest legacy was her family, and we were blessed to have her.

Ertis was survived by her sons, Rick Murphy and wife Bebe of Kilgore, Ronnie Murphy and wife Shelia of Kilgore, daughters Jacquelyn (Cissy) Wilson and husband Cliff of Vernon, Alabama and Karen Berry and husband Mark of Longview, Texas, along with numerous grandbabies (as she called them), nieces, and nephews. 

The family will receive friends at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore from 12:00 – 1:30 on Friday, January 3rd. Graveside service to follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 3, 2025 with Rev. Neil Rogers and Brother Joe Wiley officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Forest Home Baptist Church and Highway 80 Rescue Mission, two places Granny loved to serve.