Sharon Hope Murphy

Sharon Hope Welch Murphy, 77, of Aransas Pass, TX passed away on January 8, 2026 in Corpus Christi, TX. 

She was born April 24th, 1948 to Art and Mary Elizabeth (Lizzie) Welch in Uvalde, TX. Being one of many daughters to Concan ranchers, Art and Lizzie Welch, Hope spent her early years working the ranch alongside her two brothers and six sisters. Hope spoke often with a heartfelt sense of pride about Concan. Her close knit family and work ethic learned on the ranch blessed her with many life lessons and experiences she treasured. 

After high school, she chose to pursue a college degree in education at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Hope used the work ethic she learned on the ranch and her natural compassion to teach elementary students and mentor many new teachers. Hope loved teaching and excelled at being a role model and guiding light to so many children. She helped countless children to discover not only their abilities, but also confidence and passion. Every student she spent time with and taught, continuously motivated and strengthened her to do more. Later in her teaching career, she became a Dyslexia Therapist and positively impacted the education of struggling readers. When her amazing teaching career finally came to an end, she had served in the teaching field for fifty-three years. 

Hope's most important priority and driving force in her life were her two children Waylon Kincaid Murphy and Zane Lynette Murphy Chesser. They were loved and adored by Hope every second of every day. As a single parent she made sure they had everything they needed. Hope was determined for them to always have the support of their mom in their corner or on their side. She loved helping her children, spending time with them and all the work she did was for them. Hope enjoyed and beamed with pride as "Nanna" for the five grandchildren she loved immensely. 

Hope is preceded in death by her parents, Art and Lizzie Welch, her son, Waylon Kincaid Murphy, her brother Art Welch Jr. also known as Tinker, and her sisters Geraldine Welch and Shirlene Welch Patterson. She is survived by her daughter, Zane Chesser, son-in-law Jason Chesser, and three grandsons Layton Chesser, Cole Chesser, Jaxon Chesser of Aransas Pass. She is also survived by two granddaughters Mary Belle Murphy, and Gracey Kincaid Murphy of Gilmer, Texas. 

She is survived by her sisters and brother, Aline Causey, Arlia Faye Neill, Joyce Denk, Terry Rife, Jimmy Joe Welch, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sharon Hope Welch Murphy was a bright and passionate light for those who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.  

A  graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Vance Cemetery.