Patricia Ann Murphy-McPherson was born on December 13, 1932. She was the youngest of three children born to the late Daniel Murphy and Fannie Spratley-Murphy.  Early Monday, April 17, 2023, Patricia peacefully departed this life for eternal rest at the age of 90.

She received her education through the Norfolk Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.  Immediately after high school, Patricia went to work at White Way’s Laundry and Albanos Cleaners.  After a long career at Albanos Cleaners in Norfolk, she worked in the housekeeping department for Norfolk State University.  She transferred from working in the dormitories to working at the President’s House with former President Dr. Harrison B. Wilson and family for many years.  After over 19 years of service, she retired from Norfolk State University.  However, she continued her friendship with the Wilsons and worked with them until her health declined.

Throughout the years, Patricia lived by the principle, if I can help someone as I travel this life, then my living shall not be in vain.  She loved, supported and helped her family and anyone she came in contact with.  She would frequently give coworkers a ride to and from work. If someone needed bill or grocery money, Patricia would always extend a helping hand.  In 2018, Patricia was recognized for her generosity to Norfolk State University.  Her name is included in the Annual Report of Philanthropy and listed on the Honor Roll of Donors List for 2017.

Patricia loved her family and would often host large cook-outs and family gatherings.  She was wise, full of life, always on the move and walked swiftly.  She was the voice of ration and reason.  She loved to travel, shop, drink Pepsi, watch old Westerns and talk to her family.  Dear to her heart was her “four boys,” son, Patrick, grandsons, Tyrell, Brian and Tracey (deceased 2021).

Patricia was the matriarch of the family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of many years, Willie McPherson, a son, a grandson, parents, sister, brother, in-laws, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephew, great nephew, cousins and a myriad of other relatives.

Patricia will be forever cherished and remembered by her only son, Patrick Murphy (Jeanette), two daughters, Barbara McPherson, Belinda Faye McPherson-Battle (Anderson), three grandchildren, SFC Brian McPherson (Martina), Brittany McPherson-Cornell (Malcom) and Tyrell Murphy, three great grandchildren, Neiko Brown, Labrina Manning (Keith), and Tameka McPherson, four great-great grandchildren, Sebashtian Brown, Gianni McPherson, Corinthians McPherson Cornell and Arlo Brown, one brother in law, Robert McPherson and a host of other close relatives.

II Corinthians 9:6 states, “… and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”  Because Patricia was a generous giver, she was blessed with good health and a full rich long life.  She was a blessing to the family and her presence will be missed by all.