Ruby Lee Murphy, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, peacefully went home to be with her Heavenly Father on July 13, 2025. She was born on November 3, 1946, in Natchez Mississippi to Beatrice Ligon and Elmo Turner. At a young age, she relocated to Carrollton, Michigan, where she was lovingly raised by her grandmother Mary Frazier and uncle Sam Frazier Jr.
Ruby graduated from high school and went on to pursue healthcare studies at Michigan State University. On March 1, 1971, she married the love of her life, Jeri Murphy. Their union was blessed with 58 years of love, partnership, and enduring commitment.She was employed by GM Central Foundry in Saginaw, Michigan, where she also served as secretary for the Local 455 Union. A woman of deep faith and a gifted singer, Ruby was an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church and sang with the Bowman Gospel Choir. Her passion for music extended to the Saginaw Valley Mass Choir, where she continued to share her voice and spirit.In 2005,
Ruby and her family relocated to Georgia, where she opened her heart and home to foster children, providing care and love until 2024. She became an active member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Elijah Collins, continuing her lifelong dedication to faith, family, and community.
Ruby was preceded in death by her mother Beatrice Ligon, father Elmo Turner, grandmother Mary Frazier, uncle Sam Frazier Jr., sister Ida Bassett, brothers Leonard Frazier, Roger Frazier, Elmo Turner Jr., Leroy Turner, and Samuel Turner; her great-grandchild Jeremiah Orr; cousins Estell Frazier, Mary Frazier, Ethel Frazier, Katherine Latimore; and her beloved best friend Mary Nutt.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband Jeri Murphy (GA); her children: Latrenda Johnson (MI), YaLisa (Charles) Jordan (GA), Janet (Larry) Grinstead (IN), Jeri Orr (MI), Dyarl Orr (AZ), and David Murphy (GA); her grandchildren: Kendrell (Rashad) Davis (GA), Tanisia Orr (MI), Shavonda Frazier (GA), Antonio Stapleton (TX), Michael Orr (MI), Ashley Orr (GA), Tavon Stapleton (IN), Jared Orr (FL), Bryce Orr (MI), Laughton Orr (MI), Precious Murphy (MI), Marcus Murphy (MI), Brooklyn Murphy (MI), Lexus James (MI), Samantha Abell (MI), and Heaven Murphy (NY); her great-grandchildren: Arianna Scott (GA), Alia Rogers (GA), Joslynn Arrington (MI), Joshua Arrington (MI), Jada Davis (GA), Romarrhea Frazier (GA), Adriane Frazier (GA), Jaylen Walters (GA), Oliva Abell (MI), Bently Orr (MI), Cora Orr (MI), and Luka Orr (MI); her great-great-grandson: Syrus Martin (GA).
She is also survived by her sisters: Delores Bowmen (MS), Bettye Saunders (TX), Gloria Egbe (AL), Sarah (Albert) Mitchell (TX), Lee Pearl Batiest (MS), and Nynie Williams (TN); her brother: Billy (Shirley) Frazier (MS); her nieces: Catina Bowman (MS), Tanya (James) Carroll (MS), Maravia Frazier (MS), Michelin Frazier (MS), Jarita (Roderick) King (MS), Courtney Frazier (MS), and Nneka Egbe (AL); her nephews: Purvis Bowman Jr. (TX), Anthony Saunders Jr. (TX), Marcus Frazier (MS), and Okechi Egbe (AL); her sisters-in-law: Gloria Murphy (MD), Lois Murphy (MI), and Iris (Aurthur) Gissendaner (GA); her brother-in-law: Larry (Tiann) Murphy(MI); her cousin: John Frazier (NC); her chosen sisters of the heart: Artimese Frazier (MS) and Beverly Foote (GA); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
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