Joncye B. Murphy

Joncye B. Murphy, of Greenwood, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at Jackson Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on April 19, 1940, to William J. Burton and Joncye Austin Burton in Salisbury, North Carolina. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Spencer High School in 1958. She attended Appalachian State and graduated from Catawba College in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. As a child, she also knew she wanted to be a teacher because she “played school” often. Her career as a teacher spanned over 38 years, teaching in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida schools. She retired from the Jackson County School District in 2000 after teaching 1st grade at Golson Elementary for 11 years. She was also an accomplished pianist and vocalist, performing publicly at academic and church events. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, shopping, reading all the Danielle Steele books, and watching Jeopardy daily. Affectionately known as Baw Baw, she loved keeping her grandbabies and great-grandbabies. She always welcomed others like they were her own. When you were at Baw Baw’s house, you were family. She is preceded in death by her parents, W.J. Burton and Joncye Austin. Her siblings, Betty Barnes, William Jefferson Burton III, Jessie Sue Walser, Lu Ellen Bowler, and her daughter, Donna Murphy Doelman. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Sammy Lee Murphy. Her son, Michael Lee Murphy (Nancy) of Greenwood, FL. Grandchildren, Samantha Seigle Wheatley (Richie) of Graceville, FL, and Murphy Doelman Adkison (Tyler) of Chipley, FL. Her great-grandchildren, Sam Murphy Seigle and Cynthia Jo Wheatley, both of Graceville, FL. Special family friends, Jerry and Kala Dean, Madison Wantje (Sam), Mallory Dean, and Marybeth Dean. Services will be held at the First Assembly of God in Cottondale, FL, with Pastor Chris Franklin officiating on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m. with service to follow at 3:00 p.m. The family will be at the Murphy home in Greenwood, FL, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Dabo’s All-In Team Foundation in honor of her memory. Dabos All-In Team Home www.dabosallinteam.com. James and Lipford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joncye B. Murphy

April 19, 1940 - March 16, 2026