Elizabeth Erin Ewing-Murphy
Elizabeth Erin Ewing-Murphy
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Elizabeth Ewing-Murphy Obituary
Elizabeth was born on November 30, 1988 in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina when she was five years old. Elizabeth graduated from Hoggard High School in 2006, then completed her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2010 and obtained a Masters of Education from Armstrong Southern University in Savannah, GA in 2013. Elizabeth found her passion as a teacher first with New Hanover County Schools before using her passion as a second grade teacher in Durham County Schools teaching for ten years at Merrick Moore Elementary School.
Elizabeth was voted Teacher of the Year there in 2021 and loved her students and the staff. In addition to her passion as a teacher, Elizabeth loved to travel with family and friends, she was an avid reader and developed deep friendships in her book club and did several seasons of ax throwing. Elizabeth was a friend to so many lifelong friends from Wilmington as well from her years in Durham and she will be missed by so many!
Surviving Elizabeth are her parents; Sheryl Ewing and Mark Murphy, grandmother; Karen Ewing, three brothers; Robb Hotchkiss wife Emily niece and nephew Kate and Graham; David Murphy wife Colleen niece and nephews Isla, Seth and Brodan; Tim Murphy wife Ginger niece and nephews Jordyn, Ian and Trent; and one sister, Holly Dameron husband Allen and nieces and nephew Mackenzie, Madison and Braxton. Also her two four legged beloved cats Jack and Izzie. Elizabeth has a deep love for family and friends. She was a fierce warrior against cancer, but it was her faith in Jesus Christ and His promise of everlasting life which gave her deep confidence and a peaceful transition to Heaven where she awaits her family and friends. We love you Elizabeth.
There will be a Celebration of Life service followed with a fellowship meal at Pine Valley Methodist Church located at 3788 Shipyard Boulevard in Wilmington on Saturday March 28 at 11:00 and plans for a gravesite service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville, Ohio will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family has set up a memorial fund in Elizabeth's name to go to Merrick Moore Elementary School with Durham Public Schools using this link: https://www.dpsnc.net/o/dps/page/donations
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Ronald and Karen Mitchell
February 18, 2026
With heavy hearts we offer our condolences. We refer you to the Only one who can comfort you and give you peace as you journey through with this heavy burden. We believe Elizabeth is in the arms of God, that a whole host of saints rejoiced on the day she transitioned to eternal life.
John Wasson
February 17, 2026
Sheryl and Mark
Although I never met Elizabeth, from many conversations with Mark, I know that she faced her illness with grace, courage and love. As did both of you.
My deepest sympathy,
John Wasson
Wilmington
Renae Hall
February 17, 2026
Elizabeth Erin Ewing Murphy, such a big name for a little girl. I met you as a 3 year old with a thick head of long hair, big eyes, and huge curiosity. Your parents became our best friends and you were like a niece to me. Memories are flooding in of vacations together, playing Little Mermaid in the pool as we took turns teaching you to swim, going to see Lion King, reading books, playing with Polly Pockets, and watching you choose Christ at your Baptism. But my favorite memories are watching your character grow in my classroom. I was teaching 8 children with special needs and added 4 typically developing children to the group. You were like a mini teacher calling out to the blind girls so they would follow you to the mini kitchen and showing a boy with autism that it was okay when I changed the sand table to dry beans or rice or fall leaves. You read to the deaf girl and tried to learn sign language for her in spite of her cochlear implant. You lifted up the oy using a walker due to Cerebral Palsy as well as the boy who struggled with Muscular Dystrophy. I was not surprised when you chose to be a teacher. Your compassion was always there. I have enjoyed hearing about your projects and contributing to your own classroom. If there are babies in Heaven, I know you are sitting right in the midst of them. Love you. EEE
Kathryn Steed
February 16, 2026
I was in an axe throwing league with Elizabeth for a few years and she was absolutely so much fun to be around! She was always so kind and enthusiastic, and I know she cared deeply for her students and was an amazing teacher. She will be so missed.
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Beth Caragol
February 15, 2026
Thinking of all of you with love and prayers at this sad time of loss. Elizabeth was a beautiful soul and spreader of hope; this I know from the wonderful conversations with my dear friend Sheryl.
Mollie Sullivan
February 12, 2026
My deepest condolences for your loss. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Redenbaugh
February 12, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss, sending love and prayers to Mark and family.
Holly Dameron
February 12, 2026
My sweet, sister, I will miss you every moment I think of you! Your smile & laugh will be missed by so many. You were a friend to so many and your light will continue to shine through each of us! I love you so much & I´m so grateful that you are dancing on roads of gold in Heaven! Until we meet again!
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1204 Person St, Durham, NC 27703
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