Sam Ella Hill Murphy

Sam Ella Hill was born on Wednesday, August 9, 1939, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to the union of Henry Clay and Corine Williams Hill. At a tender age she confessed her faith in Christ, was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost while at Victory Temple Church of God in Christ in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Victory Temple COGIC later moved to Arkadelphia and she continued to in her Christian journey. Her love for Christ was expressed in the way she lived and loved her family. She grew up in Arkadelphia and attended Peake High School. As a young woman full of life and wit, she met Henry Douglas Murphy, a tall and handsome young man from Cartage, Arkansas; and after an appropriate courtship they were married on December 23, 1967. They made their home in Arkadelphia and begun a life that lasted for over 40 years until his passing on January 27, 2010. While Henry worked as an independent logger. She busied herself keeping an impeccable home and nurturing her children. Her children were such an important part of her life. Their home was filled with prayer, love and laughter which created memories that would never be forgotten. Mother Murphy was a sanctified faithful member of Victory Temple Church of God In Christ where she served faithfully as the church Mother and served dutifully beside her husband who served as a deacon and assistant Sunday school superintendent. She loved attending prayer meeting, bible study and helping with devotion. Those she touched and those who knew her witnessed her untiring love for God. She had a way of knowing what and when you were going through and always was able to lift and strengthen you. Throughout her life she was a devoted and committed wife, mother, sister, loving grandmother, great-grandmother, faithful & trusted friend. Even at death her faith and hope in Christ never wavered. Mother Murphy surrendered her soul on Saturday, December 13, 2014 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry D. Murphy (2010) and her son, Kendall C. Murphy (2014); three sisters, Frances Neal, Lillie Atkins, Nanette Hill; seven brothers, an infant, Willie Henry Hill, Robert Hill, Tommy Hill, Mac Arthur Hill, Richard Hill, and Herbert Hill. Her passing reminds us that life is uncertain, but death is sure. Her legacy and memories will forever linger in the hearts of her children; Ricky (Cheryl) Conner of Houston Texas, Alvin Pennix of Long Beach, California, Henry (Kathy) Florence of Malvern, Zina (Eddie) Bailey of Arkadelphia, Tamara Jolly and Gwendolyn (Roy) Pollins, all of Hot Springs. She also leaves indelible impressions in the heart of her twenty-four grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; one sister, Hattie B. Smith of Los Angeles, CA; two brothers, Gary (Katie) Hill of Jacksonville, AR; and Gus (Yvonne) Hill of Atlanta, GA; one aunt, Gertie Dixon of Arkadelphia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, numerous friends and the Victory Temple Church of God in Christ Family. Public visitation will be from 1:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014. The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Home Going Celebration will be held on at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2014 at St. Paul AME Church where Rev. T. W. Scott is the pastor. Elder Darryl Maxwell the pastor of Victory Temple COGIC will serve as eulogist and Superintendent Robert Davis will officiate The committal service and final resting place will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia.