Jean Kathryn Sunderland Murphy

Murphy, Jean Kathryn Sunderland was born October 8, 1926 at Washington Sanitarian, in Takoma Park, Maryland, to Janet Morris and Clyde Mills Sunderland, and died August 13, 2021, in East Flat Rock, North Carolina (NC).

Jean was raised and schooled in Takoma Park and graduated from Takoma Academy in 1944. She attended both Emmanuel Missionary College (Andrews University) and Washington Missionary College (Washington Adventist University).

During her senior year in academy she met and fell in love with Harvey Wright Murphy and they married on April 27,1947. Jean moved to Harvey's home town of Wilson, NC, where they had three children.

Later she attended Atlantic Christian College (Barton) and graduated in 1963 with a music major (organ performance).

Jean devoted her life to her family, her church and her music. She was a substitute organist in most Sunday churches in Wilson, NC., as well as being the music director in the Adventist Church in Wilson. Later she was involved in music ministry in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Atlanta North SDA Church (Georgia). She also was in pathfinder leadership and directed children's vocal choirs. She became an outstanding English Handbell director from the early 1980's until she had to retire due to Parkinson's disease in her late 80's.

Travel was a great joy for her. She traveled around the world, making many friends and serving in short term missions.

After Harvey died in 1993, Jean moved to live with her daughter Joan and family in Fletcher, NC, where, she was involved in volunteering with the gift shop at Park Ridge Hospital and became manager there for a number of years. She loved her Fletcher SDA Church where she worked in music ministry and prayer groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harvey, and

her sister Phyllis Sunderland Show.

She is survived by her children: Joan Murphy Taylor (Dennis, d. 2009), S. Blair Murphy (Diane) and Lynn Murphy Ortega; Grandchildren: Jyll Taylor Skinner (Tom), Dane A. Taylor, Lynn Taylor Beatty (Caleb) and Madison Murphy Roberts; three Great

Grandchildren; brother-in-law Lorry Show, nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends.