FRANKLIN FURNACE — Mary Joann Murphy, 78, of Franklin Furnace, joined the glorious company of saints on May 29, 2011, surrounded by the comforting love of her cherished family.

Mary was born July 29, 1932, to the late Sadie Hoptry Duvendeck Lawson and Emory Lawson in Ironton.

Mary was the daughter of a large, loving family. Of her 11 siblings, she was preceded in death by sisters, Pauline Sisler and Patricia Kiser and brothers, Johnny Lawson, Emory Lawson Jr., and Dick Duvendeck. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 19 years, Elmer Murphy, in 1969.

Mary is survived by five sisters, Ruth Carmen, Sarah Carmen, Helen (Jack) Haggerty, Carole (Jim) Everman, and Nancy (Glenn) Robinson, and a brother, Harold (Rose) Duvendeck.

Widowed at the age of 36 with 10 children, Mary devoted her characteristic compassion and care to rearing a large family. Motherhood was the center of her life and as her family will attest, she excelled. She is survived by all her beloved children: James (Rose) Murphy of White Pines, Tenn., Bill Murphy of Ironton; Teresa (Dave) Murphy of Franklin Furnace, Cindy Deerfield and her fiancé , Mark Marshall of Franklin Furnace: Mack (Annette) Murphy of Flatwoods, Ky.; Timmy (Tish) Murphy of Blue Creek; Michael (Kelly) Murphy of Franklin Furnace: Kim (Dave) Jackson of South Webster; Kathy (Tim) Bush of Ironton and Jeff (Linda) Murphy of Franklin Furnace. In addition, she leaves behind 31 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mary was the bedrock of this large family, and constant stream of maternal love and devotion. Her memory and the lessons of her strength and compassion will endure in the lives of all those she touched. A faithful Christian, Mary was a member of Germany Hollow Freewill Baptist Church in Wheelersburg.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Merritt Smith and Pastor Ronnie Mayes officiating. Burial will be in Haverhill Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects from 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

As a tribute to the many times Mary carried them in her loving arms on her motherly journey, her six sons will serve as pallbearers at the service.

The family is especially grateful to the caring staff of Community Hospice, for making Mary’s final days comfortable. Donations to Community Hospice,1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY. 41101, may be made in her memory.

Mary will be sorely missed by all those who loved her, but we are comforted to know she is free from the bondage of pain and suffering and now, in the words of her favorite hymn, shares a joy none other has known in the heavenly garden with the Son of God.