Beverly Murphy

Beverly Ann Iglehart Murphy, of Commerce, passed away April 13, 2018 from Alzheimer’s disease.  She was born in Enloe, Texas on December 28, 1928, the first of three children born to William H. and Willie Elizabeth Patterson Iglehart.  She grew up there with her sister Shirley Iglehart Walker, who preceded her in death, and brother, Bill Iglehart of New Porch Ritchey, Florida, and several close cousins, Kent Cregg, Betty Zoe Baker and Mildred McKeel who all preceded her in death.  She graduated with an English teaching certificate from East Texas State Teachers College (now Texas A&M University Commerce) where she was active in Les Choisites Social Club and was named College Beauty in 1949.  Photos of her were frequently used in the college’s promotional publications.  Her grace and charm were evident, but, it was her genuineness, her gentleness and her selflessness that made her truly a beautiful person.  After graduation, she worked as secretary in the Veterans’ Counseling Center on the campus where she met her husband of 58 years, Harold Murphy.  He preceded her in death in 2010.  Together they had two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon Anderson and husband Garry, of Delta County, Annette Taggart, of Rockwall and Bill Taggart, who preceded her in death in 2009.  She also had five grandchildren who she lovingly cared for and who adored their “Mama B”.  They are Leah Anderson, of Royce City, Christina Maloney and husband, Chris of Mineola, Doug Taggart and fiancée, Megan Wilson both of Dallas, Jesse Anderson and wife Lacy of Commerce, and Mary Taggart of Stillwater, Oklahoma.  Also, celebrating her home coming with the Lord are close companions of the Taggart family, Jim Swart, of Rockwall and Joel Gatti of Stillwater, Oklahoma.  Beverly’s great-grandchildren for the most part only knew her during the years she was struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, but they also knew her sweet gentle spirit, her laugh and her smile and they loved her as well.  They are Anastasia, Aubrielle, Adeleine and Andrew Maloney of Mineola and Nolan Anderson of Commerce.

Beverly was known best by her family who she selflessly cared for until she could no longer manage it.  In their opinion, her cooking skills were unmatched.  She had a talent for perfecting any recipe she decided to try.  She also was skilled in understanding nutrition and medical information.  Her family often referred to her as “the other Dr. Murphy” in the home.  She was a gracious hostess and caretaker.  She cared for her parents and aunts when they needed it and helped her husband care for his family and their friends who needed it.  Her nieces and nephews remember her for her sweet, kind, gentle spirit and the little things she did for them.  She had razor sharp wit and a laugh that could bring joy to any room.  It was a delight to know her.

Beverly was a servant to the Lord, Jesus Christ.  We are grateful she is home with Him now and we are grateful to have been blessed by her life with us.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Commerce on Tuesday, April, 17, 2018 at 1:00 PM, with a visitation reception following.  Memorials may be made to the Commerce Food Pantry, the First Presbyterian Church of Commerce, or the Harold Murphy Endowed Scholarship at Texas A&M University-Commerce.