Erma Jean Murphy Philon

ERMA JEAN MURPHY PHILON
With heavy hearts yet grateful spirits, we celebrate the life of Erma Jean Murphy Philon, who peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, March 8, 2025 surrounded by her loving and devoted family at home in Columbiana, Alabama.
Mrs. Erma Jean Murphy Philon born July 12, 1948 was a native of Silas, Alabama and resident of Mobile, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Frank Murphy and Mrs. Lucy Murphy; six sisters: Minnie Brown, Ruby Hunter, Estella Murphy, Josephine Murphy, Ella Pugh and Corine Jubilee; and four brothers: James Murphy, William Murphy, Samuel Murphy and Preston Murphy.
Erma's life was a beautiful testament to love, strength, and unwavering faith. At an early age, she accepted Christ at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Silas, Alabama. When she and her husband moved to Mobile, Alabama, they joined and became very active and faithful members of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church No. 2, where she served diligently as a Deaconess. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she dedicated herself to serving the Lord and uplifting others through her love, kindness, and devotion. This was evident by her commitment as an attentive wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and wisdom left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Mrs. Philon leaves behind a legacy of love through her devoted husband of 58 years, Deacon Hubert Lee Philon, Sr.; a cherished and devoted son, Hubert Lee "Herb" (Dana) Philon Jr.; four grandchildren: who were the 'light of her life,' Alton Michael (Anagha) Showers of San Francisco, California, Ciara LaNelle Philon, Ciona Leigh Philon and Hubert Lee "Trey" Philon, III of Columbiana, Alabama; and one great-grandson, Julien Mack of Jacksonville, Florida.
Her abundance of love reached outwardly to her two goddaughters: Tina (Ronald) Horton and Tonya Ryan-Coker; as well as to her caring, surviving four brothers: Cleo Murphy, Wilbert (Mossierine) Murphy of New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnny "Bud" (Betty) Murphy and Aron (Rose) Murphy. In addition, she deeply cherished her sisters-in-law: Levone Philon McGrew and Carrie Steward of Silas, Alabama, Carrie Murphy of Tampa, Florida; and two brothers-in-law: James Lewis "J.L." (Annie Bell) Philon of Montgomery, Alabama and Charles (Delsena) Philon of Silas, Alabama.
Among the many who loved and admired Erma, was her special bond with her devoted niece, Sonya Millender of Mobile, Alabama, and beloved nephew, McNeil (Lori) Brown of Tampa, Florida, whom she affectionately referred to as her son.
Her memory will forever be treasured by a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith.
Though Erma Jean Murphy Philon has departed from this earthly life, her love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.