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BORN
1948
DIED
2020
Murphy Davis Obituary
Davis had been in hospice care in Baltimore, where she and her husband, Ed Loring, lived after leaving Atlanta a few years earlier. Her death was confirmed by their daughter, Hannah Murphy Buc.
Davis, a Presbyterian minister, left an indelible imprint on Georgia, where for decades she worked with homeless people and was a regular visitor to death row inmates. She was known for her work, along with her family, in the Open Door Community they established near downtown Atlanta. Based in a large, old home, they housed and fed many of the homeless people living on nearby streets while working for larger social justice goals.
Read more about Murphy Davis on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Murphy Davis
22 Entries
Tom Clements
May 25, 2024
This is a belated post but I just saw this item in the Jubilee Partners Report (Comer, GA), Spring 2024: "On April 14 friends gathered from around the country to remember the life Murphy Davis, co-founder with Ed Loring of the Open Door Community in Atlanta. The crowd proceeded to the Jubilee cemetery with Murphy's ashes, singing songs of freedom." I am thankful for the life of Murphy and am grateful to my parents for introducing me to Murphy and Ed and for their support of Open Door, which did such wonderful work.
Melissa Wimbish Ferrell
April 30, 2021
Murphy was a classmate at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va. Those of us preparing for our 50th reunion this year we’re saddened to learn of her passing. We are also so proud that she was our classmate; she was an outstanding alumna and citizen. My condolences to her family.
Susan Larson
February 14, 2021
I remember visiting Murphy at the Open Door in the early 80s and having her speak at my adult Sunday school class at St. John Lutheran Church on Ponce de Leon. I feel blessed to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Peter Paris
December 21, 2020
I knew Murphy Davis only through her writings in the Open Door and her book “Surely Goodness and Mercy” all of which were among the most inspirational things I have read. Her death causes me to mourn and thank God for such a powerful and meaningful witness to the Gospel of Christ made real at the prison gate and among the hungry and homeless.
Mary Jo Clark
December 11, 2020
Sending our love to Les and Mac. We grieve with you. Mary Jo and William
Doug Hahn
November 9, 2020
Dear Ed,
I met you and Murphy in the early 1980s in common work with the homeless in Atlanta. You have both been examples and icons of justice that often guided my ministry. May she Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory.
God’s Peace,
Doug Hahn
Doug. Brafford
November 3, 2020
A life well lived. RIP Murphy dear. My condolences to Ed and Hannah
Joe Beasley
October 30, 2020
Murphy was as close to an angel any human can get! She and Ed has meant so much to me and have helped me become a credible activist.
I shall always remember when the “Open Door Community” seized the empty Imperial Hotel in downtown Atlanta when Maynard Jackson was Mayor! That action changed the course of how Atlanta deal with the homeless until this day.
Murphy Davis left the world a better place than when she found. She is sorely missed. May her soul find perfect peace eternally!
Jo Ann Knapp
October 29, 2020
About 30 years ago one of my dearest friends, Stephen O. Kinnard (1946-2001), introduced me to the Open Door Community, Murphy, and Ed. They have been in my heart ever since. The magnitude and magnificence of their love in action—all that they accomplish—helps us discover the essence, impact, and importance of standing tall regardless of the weight of our burdens.
Saint Murphy has been my hero. An image of open arms, she was what love is, what beauty can be, and what kindness and goodness should always be like.
Thank you, Steve.
Thank you, Murphy.
Scottie Lindsay
October 29, 2020
I grew up with Murphy in the summers in Montreat NC and also went to Mary Baldwin with her. She was the first advocate for civil rights and the homeless that I knew personally and I've always wished I had been more like her. She is absolutely one of my heroes and I wish I had told her that. May God bless her family and loved ones through these days of grieving.
Rhonda Cook
October 26, 2020
Murphy was key to my reporting in the the early 1990s on the secual abuse of women in prison. I was constantly amazed at her capacity for caring, the strength of her heart , her boundless love and her endless energy and determination to take care for those many people overlook. The world is a better place because of her.
Gail Crouch
October 26, 2020
Murphy was a powerful, strong and gentle woman who loved Jesus and all those she met
.Her witness for justice blazes brightly.
Peggy Davis
October 26, 2020
Murphy was a beautiful woman, but even more beautiful in her spirit.
Ed and Hannah, I am so sorry for your loss. She was blessed to have your love and loyalty.
Susan Pope
October 26, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of one of the most amazing and inspiring women I've ever known! Murphy was at Mary Baldwin College with me, though a year ahead of me! Her uncle, Murphy Williams, was our family’s minister at First Presbyterian Church in Wilson, NC & that's how I met her! She was such a leader even in high school & especially in college! What she accomplished with the homeless & imprisoned with her Open Door organization was just remarkable! My deepest condolences go to her family, husband & daughter & granddaughter! I would like to be able to give a donation in her memory to a similar organization! I couldn't open the complete obituary so if you can post that, is be grateful! Thanks!
Anne Sermons Gillis
October 26, 2020
Sending thoughts of well-being to Murphy’s family. Murphy was such a light.
Joe Beasley
October 25, 2020
“
Helen Hiller
October 24, 2020
Sincere condolences to Murphy’s family and friends. Was fortunate to hear her speak at a service at Open Door in Atlanta 1995. She was an inspirational speaker. RIP Murphy, fondly remembered.
Wes Howard-Brook
October 24, 2020
Murphy was one of the greatest saints I've ever had the honor to know. Her tireless joy, fierce passion for justice, and endless willingness to put up with dear, beloved Eduard put her at the top of the list of most loving and faithful humans. St. Murphy, pray for us!
Vivian Lovingood
October 24, 2020
Giving thanks for her life and witness. Sending love to Ed, Hannah, and family.
Sally Sandidge
October 24, 2020
So many memories of Murphy and her faithfulness. Thinking of all of those in her beloved community.
Robin Spence
October 23, 2020
I knew Murphy in college and have always admired her loving strength. I am sorry she is no longer with us.
Brad Boyd
October 23, 2020
Murphy physically left us at the very time we are in need of so many more Murphys. Only her heart shined brighter than her smile. Compassionate, life giving, challenging, persistent, a life triumphant. How deeply she will be missed. Love and prayers to Ed and Hannah.
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