Phyllis Murphy

Phyllis Susan Murphy went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 11, 2023.  She was born in Wyoming Township, Michigan on October 23, 1944, to William and Leah Gilman.  Her family and friends find comfort knowing Michael, her devoted husband of 50 years, was waiting for her with open arms. In addition to her parents and husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by her son, Michael Murphy (a.k.a. Joe Hamilton), sisters Beverly Gilman and Sharon Smith.  Phyllis will be dearly missed by her daughter and son in law, Rebecca and Scott Whitman, her two grandsons whom she was so very proud of, Ryan Wysocki and Alexander Whitman, nieces Tawnie (Jeff) Springfield, and Starlene (Bill) Roe and many special friends.

Phyllis was a skilled and avid golfer and bowler and well known in both communities.  She and her husband were long time members of Sunnybrook Country Club and owned Grand Rapids Stripping Company. She also loved to sew, crochet, and embroider, creating the most beautiful baby blankets, bibs, toys, and towels.  Phyllis spent her Fall Saturdays at area craft the shows, where she was affectionately known as “The Snake Lady” by her returning little customers for the rice filed snakes she made.

Family and friends will gather on November 13, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Sunnybrook Country Club to celebrate and remember the lives of both Phyllis and Mike Murphy.  They did everything in life together, so it is sweetly fitting to honor their lives together at this Celebration of Life.  There will be a private ceremony for the family at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

A memorial donation can be made to the GRCC Foundation online at grcc.edu/donate, or by mailing a check to the GRCC Foundation at 143 Bostwick Avenue, Grand Rapids MI 49504.

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