In Loving Memory of Bennie Murphy...Bennie Lee Murphy was born on March 5, 1917, fifth of twelve children to the late Johnnie and Luella Pinkney, in Newberry, South Carolina. She departed this life on Friday, April 7, 2000, at her Jersey City residence.

Realizing the need for spiritual nurturing and guidance at an early age, Bennie was baptized at the Little River Baptist Church in Silverstreet, South Carolina. She attended Dan Watkins High School. She was previously selected by Mary McCloud Bethune to attend her finishing school for young ladies.

Bennie and Wilbert were married in Washington, D.C., on July 9, 1943, while Bennie was employed as a worker for Government Services during War World II; theirs was a long and happy union. from this union, two children were born, Michael and Cynthia.

Bennie's family moved to Jersey City in the spring of 1954. She joined St. John Baptist Church and became a dedicated member of the senior choir. Bennie was employed by the Jersey City Board of Education as a teacher's aide at St. Mary's School, and later as a lunch aide at P.S. #37 school. She touched the lives of all that knew her, and always had kind and positive words to say to her students, friends, and family.

Bennie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and special friend to so many. We will always cherish the memories we have and thank God for allowing us to share her love and wisdom. We are all her legacy because she lives within us, ll who loved and were lived by her. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her loving husband Wilbert, devoted daughter Cynthia M. Howell and granddaughter Alicen Mikelle Howell of Pennsylvania, her dedicated son Michael and daughter-in-law Cleopatra Murphy of Virginia, her step-grandson Damon Pajaud of Colorado, two sisters Ethel Taylor and Nancy Yates of Washington, D.C., two sisters-in-law Trudy and Rosebud Pinkney of New Jersey, one brother-in-law David Sheppard of Washington, D.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and very special friends.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at 7 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church officiated by the Rev. Sammie L. Hawkins. Interment proceeded on Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 9 a.m. at Bayview Cemetery under the direction of Watson Mortuary Services.