Bessie Joe Fowlkes Murphy

Amory- Bessie Joe Fowlkes Murphy, 75, died Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at NMMC. Born on February 6, 1938, she was a daughter of the late Joe M. and Pearl Adams Fowlkes. She was married to the late John Ralph Murphy.

Growing up in Becker, Bessie attended Becker School and Antioch Baptist Church, later moving her membership to Gregory Chapel Baptist Church. She worked at Amory Garment, Wilson Manufacturing, and was a caregiver to the elderly until her health began to fail. Growing up in a large family, Bessie knew the value of her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She enjoyed gardening, baking, fishing, traveling, and just being able to sit, talk, and laugh with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Doris Murphy Riddle (Tupelo) and Shirley Murphy Phillips (Amory); son, James Ralph Murphy (Amory); grandchildren, Brandy Murphy Hatch (Robert) of Cumming, GA, Kymberly Murphy, Eric, Stephanie, and Amanda Phillips, all of Amory, John Blake Riddle (Tupelo), Lauren Murphy (Amory); great grandchildren, Tyler and Abby Phillips, Mason Cates, Dylan and Skyler Hatch; a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Janie Irene Fowlkes, Ninnie Tubb, Josie Woods, Mollie Chism, and Irene Willhite; her brothers, Gene, I.B., Charlie, George, John Henry, and Joe L. Fowlkes.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 9, 2013, 11 AM at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home, with Bro. Mac Phillips and Bro. Robert Earl Fowlkes officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kenny Sanders, Jimmy Douglas Tubb, Rickey Moffett, Jimmy Doyle Fowlkes, John Blake Riddle, Eric and Tyler Phillips.

Visitation will be Friday, February 8, from 5-8 PM at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.