Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Nancy Madge Kelly Murphy, 85, of Mocksville, died at home on Aug. 11, 2020.

She was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on March 20, 1935, to the late Thomas Patrick and Margaret Whitehead Kelly. She lived in Mendham, N.J. and Hempstead, N.Y. before moving as a teenager to Winston-Salem where she graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. After graduating from Sullins College, she was employed by Western Electric Co. where she met Joe Ervin Murphy, her husband of 61 years.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Although she was hindered by Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, with the support and encouragement of her family, especially her husband, she led an active life. She was a charter member of the Mocksville Jaycettes and a member of the Mocksville Woman’s Club where she served as treasurer and was voted as an Outstanding Junior Member. For 10 years she served as the chair of the Davie County Red Cross Blood Mobile. For more than 30 years, she volunteered in the History Room of the Davie County Public Library, where she transcribed, compiled, indexed, and published five books of Davie County Records, including marriage and census records, and collaborated on the publication of the County Cemetery Records. She also served as editor of the Davie Dossier. For all her volunteer activities, she was honored twice by NC Gov. Jim Hunt as an Outstanding North Carolina Volunteer. Her husband’s interest in flying involved them with Twin Lakes Aviation where she served as corporate treasurer. She also served as the office manager of Twin Lakes Airport for more than 25 years. Prior to the progression of the Muscular Dystrophy she loved to read, knit, do genealogy research, and was a long-time member of a bridge club.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, William “Pete” Kelly.

Surviving: her husband of the home; 2 sons, Steven Murphy (Diane) of Raleigh and Michael Murphy (Amy) of Bonney Lake, Wash.; 5 grandchildren, Eric and Joshua of Sweden, Daniel of Pullman, Wash., and Eryn and Zachary of Raleigh; a niece, Dr. Kathleen Kelly of Somerset, N.J.; and a nephew, Thomas Kelly (Kimberly) of Boca Raton, Fla.

To honor Nancy’s request made years ago, there will not be a memorial service.

Memorials: Davie Public Library (Martin-Wall History Room), 371 N Main St, Mocksville; or Storehouse for Jesus, 675 Lexington Rd, Mocksville.

Condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.