Mildred Ruby Lee Selph Murphy

Mildred Ruby Lee Selph Murphy, a woman of unwavering strength and boundless love, passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 94. Born on October 12, 1929, in Nocatee, Florida, she was the daughter of James Henry Selph and Emma Scott. Mildred's journey through life was a testament to her resilience, dedication, and enduring spirit.
Mildred's early life was marked by hardship, as she lost her mother at the tender age of three and grew up as the daughter of a sharecropper. She moved frequently during the Great Depression, residing in the Hamilton and Madison County areas. It was during one of these transitions that a chance encounter would change her life forever. One Sunday, after attending church, Mildred and her sisters took a leisurely walk to meet their new neighbors. It was then that she crossed paths with a young man named Edward Arthur Murphy. Their meeting was unexpected, and Mildred captured Edward's heart. They were joined in matrimony in 1947, beginning a lifelong journey together.
Over the years, Mildred and Edward welcomed four children into their loving home and built a house in 1951, a place where they would share countless cherished moments. Mildred dedicated herself to being a homemaker until her children were nearly grown. In 1971, she began working at Gold Kist. She remained employed there until 1996, at which point she chose to devote her time and energy to caring for her beloved Edward, who had fallen ill. They said their temporary good-byes in 1999.
Mildred had a passion for cooking that was matched only by her gift of hospitality. Over the years she delighted in preparing delicious meals for family and friends, making every gathering a special occasion. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immense joy to her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. In her eyes they "hung the moon." Her yard was home to many beautiful flowers, and she never pruned anything, letting them grow and flourish naturally. In her later years Mildred also had a special place in her heart for her cat and dog, who provided her with added companionship and comfort.
Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Edward Arthur Murphy; her son Kevin Murphy of Jennings, and her siblings: Marvin Selph of Jacksonville, Charles Selph of Jacksonville, Durwood Selph of Macclenny, Warren Selph of Plant City, Florence Gornto of Atlanta, and Shirley Roberson of Jasper. She is survived by her loving sons: Stanley Murphy (Kathleen) of Tampa and Jimmy Murphy (Debbie) of Jennings; her devoted daughter Brenda Evans (Bob) of Jennings; and her brother Ethridge Selph of Orlando. Mildred leaves behind a legacy of love, as well as nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish the warmth of her presence and the love she shared.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Burnham Christian Church in Jennings, FL, with a viewing just before at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Burnham Christian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Burnham Christian Church Building Fund. All services are under the direction of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL.
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