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Ival E. King Murphy, 93, of Mount Olive, MS died Saturday, September
03, 2016 at her residence in Mount Olive, MS. She was born Friday,
November 10, 1922 in Smith County, MS.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 06, 2016 from 3:00 PM until
5:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Mt Olive. Funeral services will be
held Tuesday, September 06, 2016 at 5:00 PM at First Baptist Church of
Mt Olive . Burial will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in
Mount Olive, MS. Dr. Bob Phillips will officiate. Billy M King Colonial
Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (601)765-1010
She is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Robert Paul Murphy
, Sr., parents, Joseph Bert King and Irene Flynt King, daughter, Ival
Melissa Murphy, brother, Joseph Bert King, and sisters Eloise King, Lavenee
King, Irma Lee Tanner, Kathleen Allen, Syble White and Betty Benton.
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Survivors include her daughter, Paula Johnston (Ramon), Mount Olive,
son, Robert Paul Murphy, Jr. (Bonnie), Athens, GA, son, Perry King
Murphy (Hope), Corinth, grand children, Brad Johnston (Beth), Norman
Johnston (Shay), Maya Murphy, Natalie Melissa Levanway (Drew), Perry
Kendall Murphy (Leann), great-grand children, Anna Lauren Johnston,
Audrey Johnston, Presley Johnston, Graham Levanway, sister, Edith Polk,
Magee, and a host of nieces and nephews.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Ival was a faithful imitator of God. She expressed this life of love in a quiet, but powerful way through her servant’s heart. Many people were encouraged by her words, bright smile, and homemade teacakes, pound cakes and coconut pies.
Since returning to Mount Olive in 1964 with her family, countless people have received a friendly wave from her as she sat in her front yard. For many years, a group of her friends known as “The Purple Chair Ladies,” enjoyed spending time together in her front yard often laughing about their beautification escapades for Mount Olive. There was much love and laughter among those sweet ladies.
One of Ival’s fondest memories was that of her and her sister, Kat, leading the Mize Basketball Team to the undefeated 1942-43 MS Girls’ High School Basketball State Championship.
Ival faithfully served as an Alderman for the town of Mount Olive from 1981-1997, and she served as the first female mayor from 1997-2001. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church from 1964 until her death. Ival was a true servant for the people of Mount Olive and for the church.
Ival and her five siblings were lovingly referred to as “The Sisters” by her nieces and nephews. These six women built a legacy of a Proverbs 31 Woman for them to imitate. Family time spent together was always full of hugs, kisses, laughter, family memories and unconditional love.
The pure delight of Ival’s life was “spoiling” her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They always knew that unlimited candy, ice cream sandwiches, and jellybeans awaited their arrival. Each one was a special “Honey” to her.
Almost each day someone heard Ival say “God has been sooo good to me!”
And, He was.
Pallbearers will be Robert Paul Murphy, Jr., Perry King Murphy, Brad
Johnston, Norman Johnston, Kendall Murphy, Drew Levanway, Cliff Kelly and
Kelvin King.
Honorary pallbearers will be Barney Tanner, Bert Sullivan, Don Sullivan,
Bubba Allen, Brinson Polk, Bobby Benton, Wes Benton and Bill Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Mt
Olive, P.O. Box 143, Mount Olive, MS 39119.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.billymkingcolonialchapel.com
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.