Mary Frances Murphy, 93, passed away March 21 , 2020.  She was born in South Norfolk, VA the daughter of the late Frederick Rial Dougherty and Ida Mae Capps Dougherty.  She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Melvin "Blimp" H. Murphy; her daughter, Sandra Faye Murphy; and siblings, Dorothy D. Whitaker and Frederick R. "Bubba" Dougherty, Jr.  Frances was a graduate of Portlock High School.  She later went on to work and then retired as an accounting clerk for Eppinger and Russell Co., Inc.  Later in life, she was a teacher's assistant at Portlock Elementary and retired from the Chesapeake Public School System.  Frances was a member of Raleigh Heights Baptist Church and the Hope Bible Class where she served on the Finance Committee for over 50 years and was the chairman of the Social Committee for over 40 years.  She was also a member of the WMU, and the Baptist Women where she also served as a past president.  Other memberships include Chapter #57 of the Order of the Eastern Star.  A great summary of the life of Mary Frances Murphy can be found in Proverbs 31:10-31, "…a virtuous woman who fears the Lord."

Frances is survived by her son, H. Dean Murphy; brother, Newton L. Dougherty, Sr. and wife, Linda; special niece, Kathy D. Hasty who loved and cared for Mrs. Murphy during the final chapters of her life; Emily Hasty, that Mrs. Murphy loved as a granddaughter that she never had; Gayle D. Swann who Mrs. Murphy loved as a daughter; and 5 nephews, Freddie, Craig, Bobby, Kevin, and D.J.

In accordance with the restrictions and precautions mandated for the Coronavirus, services will be private for her family.    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, 1000 Crowell Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23324.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.