Deborah Denise Murphy

Deborah Denise Murphy was love and laughter. She was an encouragement to others. She was true and sincere. Deborah was a loving wife. She was our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. On December 26, 1959, the sun rose on the life of Deborah Denise Murphy. She was born in Monroe, Louisiana, to Gloria Dean Price and Willie Louis Griffen.

Deborah and her family relocated to Michigan in the spring of 1968 when she was 8 years old. She attended Saginaw Public Schools and graduated from Saginaw High School, Class of 1977. Throughout her tenure in the Saginaw Public Schools, Deborah, was affectionately referred to as “Devastating Dee” was known to protect those she cared about. She did not entertain the weak. She only invested her time in correcting the behaviors of the most difficult opponents.

Deborah was truly the life of the party. She was the host for every holiday, celebration, and random gathering. Her food was truly good for the soul. There is an ongoing debate if Deborah’s most requested dish was taco pie or lasagna. Although when asked, Demarco Sr. cited “everything” as her best dish. I am sure we all agree. It wasn’t a Deborah Murphy event if a lively game of cards or Dominoes wasn’t played.

Deborah’s full-time job for the last forty-three years was being a homemaker. She pridefully kept a clean home, delicious food on the table, and a house filled with laughter, love, morals, and values. Deborah made sure her children had a strong work ethic. She made sure they knew the importance of contributing to their well-being. From chores to part-time jobs, they were raised to be contributors and not a burden.

Deb was selfless and big-hearted; her home was open to everyone. She gave out of an abundance of heart without considering her own needs. She never wanted to see anyone go without even if it meant she did. Deb believed in community and did what she could to love everyone she encountered. Her six children shared their mom with the multitude. Whenever they were out, they would be sure to hear “hey mom” in reference to her.

Deborah made sure her own children had a village. She introduced her children to the neighbors and local store leaders to ensure that there were eyes on them when they left the protection of the home. Deborah’s capacity to love and nurture extended to the care of her many house plants.

Deborah’s love for her family was evident in every bite of the food she prepared. She made sure everyone’s belly was full of food and hearts filled with her love. She was creative with the dishes she so lovingly prepared, so much so that even when ingredients were scarce, Deb used what she had along with the love in her heart to create memorable meals that we would request again and again.

The sun set on October 1, 2022, and took Deborah’s physical presence with it. She left this world immersed in the love that she so freely gave to so many. Deborah was surrounded by her loving husband, siblings, her children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Gloria Price and Willie Louis Griffen; stepfather, Ewell Price; father-in-love, Herbert Thompson Sr; brother-in-love, Erick Thompson; son, Joseph Murphy; grandson, Izaik Murphy; and granddaughter, Zaryia Perkins.

Deborah’s legacy of love will be carried on by her loving husband and best friend, Herbert Thompson Jr.; mother-in-love, Doris Thompson; siblings, Marvin (Helen) Griffen, Gwendolyn (D.J.) Price, Christopher (Tina) Griffen, Pamela Shaw, Tomeka Price, all of Saginaw, Michigan; her children, Latichia Griffen, DeMarco Murphy, Christopher Murphy, Jason (Jekeia) Murphy, Tyisha (Cortez) Perkins, and Antionette Murphy; three bonus children, Herbert, Sharon, and Tamara Norman; grandchildren, Roslynn Logan, Demarco Murphy Jr, Christopher Murphy Jr, Jaz’myn Murphy, Dequavion Williams, Ayana Williams, Alainah Murphy, Cortez Perkins Jr, MaKenzie Murphy, Jayden Murphy, Lauryn Perkins, Jason Murphy Jr, Jeremiah Murphy, Trinity Perkins, Willow Murphy, Ezekiel Murphy, Dominic Murphy, Donovan Murphy, and Dylan Murphy; great-granddaughter, Kylah Wilson; two goddaughters, Tiesha Emerson, and Zoretta Nickleberry; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and special family friends.