Ella Murphy

Ella Jeanette Hill Murphy, 95, a resident of Lakewell Place in Mineral Wells, passed on Friday, September 5. Jeanette was born April 24, 1919, to John Christopher Columbus Hill and Mathilda Annie Harker in Somerville, Texas. Jeanette was one of two girls in a family of six siblings. While growing up in Somerville, she and her family attended the First United Methodist Church. In Somerville, just prior to WWII, Jeanette met the love of her life, Lloyd Alton Murphy, at a dance. Lloyd was in Somerville working with his father for R.B. Butler on bridges on Highway 36. They soon married and Lloyd headed off to the war. Jeanette secured her RN degree and worked for a time at the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Houston. She also worked as the superintendent of nursing at the Brownwood Hospital in Brownwood, TX, while her husband was stationed there. After the war, Lloyd and Jeanette moved to Mineral Wells, where Lloyd went to work for his father, forming Murphy & Murphy Concrete. Jeanette had a caring heart and she lived by the motto "always lend a hand where it is needed." Her heart for helping others showed in the way she took care of her family and others through countless hours as a volunteer for the Palo Pinto Hospital Auxiliary; through her many years as a Blood Drive volunteer (where she became known as the "cookie lady"), and through her service to First Baptist Church by serving on various committees, including serving meals as needed. At her church home, she was well-known for her delicious chocolate sheet cake. Jeanette was an avid doll collector. She had dolls from many countries. Her dolls were all sizes, from small to large, and were frequently used for display at community events. She loved animals. Prior to her recent illness, she could often be seen on the front porch at Lakewell Place, watching the birds and any other animal that came into view. She was very family oriented and proud of her ancestry. Jeanette had relatives who fought in many of the famous Texas battles, including the Alamo and Goliad. One such relative she was proud of was Christopher Columbus Hill, for whom her father was named. As the story goes, Christopher, about 14 years old, some of his family, along with other Texans, chased Santa Anna back into Mexico after a raid on San Antonio. Just across the border, a battle took place. The battle ended with the Texans surrendering. Many Texans were captured, including Christopher, his brother and father. Because of his bravery and marksmanship in that specific battle, Christopher caught the eye of Santa Anna. Once all were taken to Mexico, Santa Anna eventually adopted C. C. Hill. Christopher ended up securing, not only his freedom, but that of his brother and his father. He was also given a wonderful education becoming a mining engineer and subsequently a medical doctor. Jeanette also had a great grandfather, WCJ Hill who was the Corporal of the Guard at the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836. Her family was very important to her. As interesting as those ancestors were, her favorite family members were her husband, her son, her grandchildren and her great-grandson. She told the staff at Lakewell Place that her proudest achievement was marrying her husband and raising her family. She also told them her favorite memory was bringing up her son, Terry. Jeanette was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star; a life member of the Mineral Wells Women's Club; a life member of the Palo Pinto General Hospital Auxiliary; a member of the Mineral Wells Heritage Association and a member of Beta Sigma Phi. Her service was September 8th, at First Baptist Church, with Pastor Nathan Buchanan officiating. Pallbearers were Lann Murphy, Brad Seay, Ronnie Patterson, Dick Reed, Lance Howerton, and Virgil Youngblood. Interment followed at Woodland Park Cemetery. She is survived by her son, Terry Lann Murphy and wife, Nikki; grandson, Terry Lann Murphy, II, and wife, Melissa; granddaughter, Bethany Lauren Murphy; great-grandson, Terry Lann Murphy, III "Trey"; brother, James J. Hill of Brenham, Tx. Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Alton Murphy, her parents, one sister and three brothers.