Frances Murph

Miss Frances Marian Murph, 80, passed away at her home on Tuesday, August 23, 2011. Born January 21, 1931, in Spartanburg County, Miss Murph was a lifelong resident of White Stone, SC. She was the youngest daughter of the late William Guy and Elma Wofford Murph. Miss Murph was a graduate of Spartanburg High School, attended Winthrop College, and graduated from Robinson Business College. For fifteen years, she served as legal assistant to Chief Justice Claude Taylor. Hired as the first employee of USC Upstate, she retired as Director of Alumni Affairs. Miss Murph was a charter member and first president of the Spartanburg Legal Secretaries Club. She was very active in Pilot Club, holding several offices including president. She was always interested in politics and volunteered tirelessly for former Senator Ernest F. Hollings. Miss Murph was passionate about protecting animals and through the years provided a loving home for many dogs, cats, and birds. She was a lifelong member of White Stone United Methodist Church, where for many years she blessed the congregation with her lovely voice. In addition to her parents, Miss Murph is predeceased by two sisters, Carolyn Murph Carpenter and Guynell Murph Jones; and a nephew, Clyde Pershing Carpenter, Jr. She is survived by two nieces, Nell Jones Hodge and Nancy Louise Banks; three nephews, Dr. Albert P. Jones, Guy Murph Carpenter, and Dr. William Taylor Hill Jones; a great-niece; six great-nephews; her birds, Buford and Cocka; and her faithful caregiver and friend, Mildred Blackwell. Visitation will be 12:30-1:30 PM Friday, August 26, 2011, at White Stone United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, in the church, conducted by the Rev. Patricia McCain and the Rev. John W. Ropp. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Elma Wofford Murph Scholarship Fund at USC Upstate, c/o USC Upstate Foundation, 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or White Stone United Methodist Church, PO Box 770, White Stone, SC 29386. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frances Marian Murph please visit our Sympathy Store.