Lynn Murphy

Lynn Murphy, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, musician, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Born on November 8, 1934, in Harlingen, Texas, Lynn was proud of her deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley. Her family was among the earliest settlers of Harlingen, arriving in 1911, and their legacy of faith, music, and community would shape the course of her life.

Music was woven into Lynn’s story from the very beginning. The daughter of accomplished pianist Lila Selina Jones, Lynn grew up in a home filled with music, where family gatherings often centered around the piano with voices raised in song. Her maternal grandmother, a soprano trained at the Chicago Musical College, further instilled a love for performance and excellence in the arts.

Lynn began dancing and playing piano at a young age, performing her first solo tap dance at just five years old. By six, she had begun formal piano training, dedicating twelve years to disciplined study and practice.

She was awarded a four-year scholarship to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music but chose to remain close to home and attend the University of Texas, reflecting her lifelong devotion to family. There, she earned her degree in music. During her senior year, she performed a solo recital for faculty as part of her final jury. Following graduation, she served as an assistant in the university’s music department, teaching piano to non-music majors.

While at the University of Texas, Lynn met the love of her life, Robert Andrew Murphy Jr. After his completion of pharmacy school, the couple returned to Harlingen, where they built a life rooted in service, faith, and music. Married for 64 years until his passing, Lynn and Bob shared not only a deep love for one another, but also a remarkable musical partnership. For over five decades, Bob sang while Lynn accompanied him on piano, offering their gifts to the community through weddings, funerals, church services, civic events, and performances.

Lynn’s accomplishments extended far beyond her musical talents. A natural leader and dedicated student, she was a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and All-State Choir, and served as accompanist for her high school choir. She was also a Worthy Advisor in the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, reflecting her strong spiritual foundation.

In college and throughout her life, Lynn continued to lead and serve. She was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, and held leadership roles at the Scottish Rite Dormitory at the University of Texas. In her community, she served as President of the Harlingen Junior Service League, where she spearheaded the Follies production, and as Past President of Chapter “T” of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Her love of music remained central throughout her life. Lynn was a founding member of the South Texas Choral, where she sang and served as accompanist for over 20 years. She also served on the Board of the Performing Arts Theatre and was actively involved at Saint Anthony’s Church as choir director and lay reader.

In recognition of their enduring contributions to music, Lynn and Bob were honored with the Charles Feldman Award for Outstanding Contribution of Music. Together, they also performed for numerous community events, including the Murphy & Murphy fundraiser at the Performing Arts Theatre.

Lynn’s life was one of grace, discipline, faith, and generosity. Through her music, her leadership, and her love for others, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations.

She is survived by her three children: Michael McCoy Murphy and his wife Deanna Grayson Murphy; Kathryn Murphy Bonner and her husband Blake Mcfarlane Bonner; and Robert Andrew Murphy III.

She was a proud grandmother to Robert Grayson Murphy and his wife Miriam Siever Foster, Matthew Ryan Murphy and his wife Katie Whelden Murphy, and John Michael Murphy and his wife Olivia Reed Murphy; Blake McFarlane Bonner Jr. and his wife Caitlin Christopher Bonner, Courtney Baker Bonner, and William Robert Bonner and his wife Ashley Freeman Bonner.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Tamsin Murphy, Ry Murphy, Scarlett Bonner, Celia Murphy, Jackson Murphy, Wynn Bonner, Bennett Murphy, Maeve Murphy, Baker William Bonner, and Isla Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Robert Andrew Murphy Jr.; her parents, Alva McCoy Jones and Lila Selina Baker Jones; her brother, Alva McCoy Jones Jr.; and her great-granddaughter, Lila James Bonner, her cherished namesake.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Esther, Marta, Silvia, Amanda, and Yessica, for their compassion and faithful care, as well as to Gentiva Hospice for their support.

A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 13, 2026, with a reception to follow at St. Alban's Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lila's Light: a foundation created in memory of Lila James Bonner, great granddaughter of Lynn Murphy, who tragically lost her life in the July 4 flooding at Camp Mystic. Lila's Light focuses on animals affected by natural disasters and raising awareness and funding to keep summer camps safe for children at www.lilaslight.org or through the Dallas Foundation, Dept#42321, PO Box 650823, Dallas, Texas 75265-0823, specifying the fund to which the donation is applied.