Jeanne Murphy

Jeanne Murphy, 97, of Mission, Texas, passed away on December 26, 2023. She was born on June 12, 1926, in Bynum, TX, to the late Sam and Eula Duff.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her loving husband, James (Mack) Murphy, as well as her siblings Tom and Bill Duff and Fran Galloway. She is survived by her brother, Donald Duff.

Jeanne is survived by her sons, Bill and Ray, her daughters-in-law Cynthia and Bea, her grandsons Wes and Ryan, and Ryan’s wife Kristyn Murphy.

Jeanne had a passion for education and dedicated her life to teaching. She began her career as an Elementary School Teacher in Pharr in 1945 and later taught in Harlingen and Santa Rosa. Throughout her teaching career, she was a vocal advocate for the lifelong success of her students. She worked tirelessly to improve the quality of education provided in her classroom and for students in the schools where she worked.  Her commitment to shaping young minds left a lasting impact on the community.

Having grown up on a farm in Bynum/Hillsboro Texas, Jeanne learned to love the natural world from an early age. Her love of natural beauty — especially roses, which her husband loved to grow for her — reflected her joy and gratitude for life.  She supported Mack’s career as a farmer as they both continued their careers as educators in schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Jeanne was an avid birdwatcher and was especially fond of hummingbirds. She was thrilled to inspire and support her grandsons’ shared passion for birds and zoology more broadly.

Jeanne had a passion for genealogy. After she and Mack retired, they traveled around the United States finding, analyzing, and curating historical records - culminating in a book about the Autrey Family. She traced Duff and Murphy family ancestral lines as far back as 10 generations. She was meticulous in her genealogical investigations. Never content to rely on secondhand accounts, she traveled to physically examine original records in courthouses, cemeteries, and libraries during many road trips with Mack. She was interested not just in fact finding, but in uncovering stories about the diverse personalities and livelihoods of earlier generations. Having a playful sense of humor, she was particularly fond of uncovering stories about individuals with checkered lives.

The family is extremely grateful to Jeanne’s caregiver Mayra Rebuelta for her wonderful loving care of Jeanne this past year. A friend of over 40 years, the family is blessed to have Bobby Dick preside over her service, accompanied by his wife Lynette.

A visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home (San Benito, TX) on December 29, 2023, at 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.

Jeanne Murphy's legacy will live on through her family, friends, and the countless students she inspired throughout her career. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.