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Jean Murphy Obituary

Jean L. Tomlinson Murphy, Ed.D. March 2, 1925 April 8, 2016 Jean L. Tomlinson Murphy, Ed.D. died April 8, 2016. She was born March 2, 1925 on Long Island, NY; a daughter of the late George Russell and Daisy Elizabeth James Tomlinson. On March 17, 1950 she married Thomas Emmett Murphy Jr. who preceded her in death. Maximizing her superior intellect and innate skills Jean earned a Painting degree from the Yale School of Art in 1944; a bachelor of Fine arts degree from Yale in 1946; a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University in 1966; and her Doctor of Education from Columbia University in 1970. Dr. Murphy taught art at Chatam Hall Girls Preparatory School in Virginia, worked as a model and as an Interior Designer in New York City. She began teaching painting, drawing and color classes at Ball State University in 1967 and was recognized for her teaching ability. Her paintings were collected by major companies such as Chase Bank and Westinghouse. She retired after 18 years with the rank of Full Professor. She was interested in house and landscape design. She dismantled and rebuilt a log cabin and designed and built an earth sheltered house in Indiana. She restored the Christian Oyer Jr. House, a stone house of her dreams, furnishing it with period antiques. She was honored to have it placed on the National Historic Register in Huntingdon, PA. Dr. Murphy was a master gardener. Her flower gardens which were truly works of art, were admired by many. Surviving Dr. Murphy two daughters; Keven Anne Murphy, Ph.D. of Granby, CT and Aidan M. Wilson of Centre Hall, PA; her grandchildren, Justin Wilson and wife Claire of San Diego, CA, Julia Schroth of Chicago, IL and Sean and Caitlin Wilson of State College, PA. A memorial service is planned on her Huntingdon, PA property at the end of June, with the exact time and date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Project HOPE, 255 Carter Hall Lane, P. O. Box 250, Millwood, VA. Emmett Murphy, Jean's late husband, was on the maiden voyage of the hospital ship Project HOPE, and wrote the documentary of the same name, which won an Academy Award in 1962. An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Centre Daily Times on May 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Murphy

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Bunnie

April 25, 2025

I´m still in contact with her daughter Aiden. We were friends for many years. We shared the love of our horses. I remember Jean painting a large mural of Aiden´s horse Buck.

Lou Kontos

May 24, 2024

Prof. Murphy was the finest painting instructor I ever worked with as a student. I can still see hands gliding over my canvas as she talked about how to get the most out of the color in a painting. When she conducted student critiques she had one clear rule. You could say what you wanted along as the listener could use it to make a better painting in the future. The wisdom in that rule was only matched by its inherent kindness in knowing how to be a great teacher.

Mary C. Carter

December 7, 2021

Dr. Murphy was my painting professor at Ball State. She was an amazing woman and a wonderful teacher. I am now retiring from Ball State.

Bunnie Worden/Robinson

May 14, 2016

Jean was the mother of my best friend Aidan. I got experience the joy of her painting, gardening and cabin. One of my favorite paintings is a giant mural of Aidan's beloved horse Buck. In later years I was able to visit her in her historic home near St. Colkege.

Hazel Hunley

May 6, 2016

Dear Aiden & Keven & family,
What a wonderful tribute to your mother Jean Murphy whom I appreciated so much when I lived in her grand house, and our recent contacts. I look forward to celebrating her life at your memorial service for her, if you would please let me know when: 814-404-1639.
My sincere condolences & gratitude,
Hazel (Coll) Hunley

Steven Richardson

May 5, 2016

Our sincere condolences to ALL of Jean's Family. She was truly an amazing and generous lady. May GOD bless her!!!

Lew and Nancy Rodrick

May 1, 2016

Aiden,

We are sorry to hear of your mother's passing and hope your memories of her help you in the days ahead

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