Margiree B. Murphy

Margiree Murphy was born on March 16, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama. After a prolonged illness, Margaret celebrated her home going on September 25, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio. Margiree was the tenth of twelve children born to Gresson and Martha Bolden, both deceased. Margiree was one of twin girls. Her twin, Margaret, did not survive long after the birth. Margiree accepted Christ early on and was baptized, received her First Holy Communion and was confirmed at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Mobile, Alabama.

The family migrated to Cleveland in 1954 where Margiree attended East High School. Margiree married Eugene Murphy in 1958 and remained married until his death. Eugene was a skilled electrician among the enlisted airman in the United States Air Force throughout his career and retired from the services in 1986. Margiree joined Eugene during a tour in Spain where she developed her flair for cooking and her love of children.

Margiree was a surrogate mother for so many of her nieces and nephews. Her love-circle eventually expanded to include children of neighbors and friends. She loved them all and did not feel that she was babysitting. She became their godmother, teacher and counselor. She held an annual New Year’s Eve party for the children so that their parents could be free to socialize elsewhere. She opened her home to the children of struggling parents and any child needing a smile and some joy in their life. She formed life-long friendship with her families and became adopted mother, godmother, and “Auntie” to numerous children, adolescents and adults. She enjoyed cooking for large groups and her annual birthday party was legendary to her friends and family. She also spent time as a political activist and worked at the election polls for over 20 years.

Margiree leaves to mourn her sister Betty Hooper of Bedford Heights Ohio, the last of her siblings. All her other siblings have predeceased her. She leaves nieces including Patricia Bray, Tinesha Maines, Tarashia Strong, Jade Ferguson, Christina Fritzgerald, Tatianna King, Diane Perry, Charmaine Bolden, Tiffany Washington, and Sharon Zellner. Nephews, Michael Edwards, Larry Edwards, Anthony Fritzgerald, Sr., Anthony (Tony) Fritzgerald Jr., Diante Fritzgerald, Demario Fritzgerald, Dwayne King, Sr., Dwayne (D. J.) King, Jr., Earl Hooper, Michael Marks, Derrick Strong, Andre Strong, VonChea Edwards, deCress Edwards, Joseph King, and a host of grandnephews and grandnieces, relatives and friends.

Margiree Murphy was a faithful servant of Christ at St. Agnes/ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio for many, many years.