Lou Murphy

LouElla Zell (Lou) Murphy began her life’s journey on March 19, 1928. She was born in McCamey, Texas, to Malcomb Bunion and Nettie Elizabeth (Smith) Williams. Her mother died of heart failure when Lou was three years of age, and she and her sister, Margaret, and brother, Junior, were raised by their father, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Lou attended school in Deleon, Texas, but dropped out before graduating to work and help the family financially. A personal proud moment for her came in 1975, at the age of forty-seven, when she received her GED from the State of Oklahoma.

On January 23, 1950, Lou married George “Buddy” Hughes. After living in Texas and Colorado, they settled in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, where Buddy was born and raised. They brought up their four daughters there. As a young mother, Lou volunteered in the nursery at the first Baptist Church of Broken Bow and helped numerous summers with Vacation Bible School. She later worked as a salesperson for Bruton’s Dry Goods Store. Lou retired from McCurtain County Hospital, where she was employed for many years as a PBX operator.

In August 1986, Lou married Wilburn “Bill” Murphy in Paris, Texas. During their marriage, she and Bill built their own home, farmed, and traveled in their RV. She loved spending time outdoors and gardening in her flower beds. Lou was a hard worker as well as a thoughtful and kind person. Lou leaves behind many friends and family members who realize that their world was a better place for her having been in it.

Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Malcomb and Elizabeth Williams; husband, Bill Murphy; sister, Margaret Gabhart; brother-in-law, Orman Gabhart; brother, Junior Williams; niece, Donna Rasberry; and nephew, Oren Gabhart.

Survivors include four daughters, Kay Cavazos, Jeannie Moss, and husband, Greg, Debbie Cavin, and husband, Ron, and Charlotte White; three granddaughters, four grandsons, thirteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Lou’s journey ended on March 7, 2020, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, twelve days before what would have been her ninety-second birthday.

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