Rhuney Patterson Murphy

Rhuney Patterson Murphy, 93, of 713 Oakwood Drive, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2013, after a brief illness.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, in the Fair Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Lawson Cemetery.

Rhuney was a native of Spray and was born in the family home located on Hill Street to George W. and Cora Frye Patterson on December 20, 1919. A 1937 graduate of Leaksville High School, she was initially employed at Hatley��������?ᬮ���?묢s Laundry and later at the corporate office for Fieldcrest Mills in the finance department. She married Booker Issac Murphy, her husband of 54 years, in October 1949 and settled into life as a homemaker.

During her youth and young adult life she was an active vocalist called upon to sing solos for church, weddings and funerals. A life-long member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Rhuney was active in the church choir, taught a variety of children��������?ᬮ���?묢s Sunday school classes, served on various committees, and was an active member of the Christian Women��������?ᬮ���?묢s Fellowship. Like her mother before her, Rhuney was recognized as a skilled seamstress. Even in her later years she was frequently called upon to make alterations for family and friends.

In addition to her mother, father, and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Marvin Ray (Pat) Patterson, George Douglas Patterson, and her sister, Mazzie Patterson Rodden.

She is survived by her children, Susan Shewmaker and husband David of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; George T. Murphy, Sr. and wife Cecelia of Bethany; and Linda Pauls and husband Jim of Dallas, Oregon. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Carrie Shewmaker Selby (Michael), Kathy Shewmaker, Tom Murphy, Will Murphy, Abe Pauls, and David Pauls; one great-grandson, Ian Selby; a step-grandaughter, Sarah Shewmaker Cooper (Chris); and two step- great-grandchildren, Zachary and Linzie Cooper.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2013, at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the home.

The family wishes to express its thanks to Dr. Xaje Hasanaj and the nurses and staff of Morehead Memorial Hospital for the quality of care given. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the hospital.

Online condolences maybe offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com