Eleanor Murphy Calhoun, whose keen intellect, bright humor, and simple grace will long be treasured by any who knew her, died September 21, 2009. A native of Albany, New York, she was the daughter of Sherman and Amy Murphy. Mrs. Calhoun moved to Memphis shortly after World War II. She made the city her home and her fellow Memphians her friends. Mrs. Calhoun distinguished her life in partnership with her late husband, Austin James Calhoun, a prominent Memphis attorney. Together, they raised a family of four children and enjoyed a marriage that lasted over six decades. Their devotion to each other and to their family was the focus of their lives. Yet, more than just a wife and partner, Mrs. Calhoun belonged to myriad organizations and charities that gave purpose to her life through service and support to others. She volunteered her time and talent to improving the lives of the less fortunate while striving to make her adopted city a better place to live. She joined Holy Communion Episcopal Church in 1954 and was a member of PEO Chapter A, the Woman's Exchange, Junior League, All Saints Guild, and Eastwood Home and Garden, among other organizations. For many years, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels for the Metropolitan Interfaith Association, one of her favorite charities. Mrs. Calhoun never ceased improving her mind and enriching her life. A voracious reader of all genre of books, fiction and non-fiction, Mrs. Calhoun developed a vast knowledge of politics, history, religion, and world affairs. She could hold her own in any conversation on virtually any subject, always with wit and verve. Mrs. Calhoun is survived by three of her children, Frederick S. Calhoun, Barbara C. Cargill and David M. Calhoun. Another son, Austin James Calhoun, Jr. died in 1974. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Austin J. Calhoun, Emily C. Upchurch, Amy B. Calhoun, Charles Murphy Cargill, Colton Blake Cargill, Connor James Cargill, Avery E. Calhoun, Payton B. Calhoun, and James Harris Calhoun, as well as a devoted daughter-in-law, Karen N. Calhoun, son-in-law, Terry P. Cargill, granddaughter-in-law, Sara A. Calhoun and grand-son-in-law, David W. Upchurch. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 24 at Church of the Holy Communion with funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Metropolitan Interfaith Association, 910 Vance Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38126. Canale Funeral Directors (Published in The Commercial Appeal 9/23/2009)