Harriet Powell Murphy, 90, formerly of Salisbury, died peacefully in her sleep at the Davis Community in Wilmington, NC, on January 11, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, at First Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, at 3:00 p.m.

Born March 21, 1933, in Abbeville, SC, she was the daughter of the late Harry Wayne Powell and Margaret McConnell Powell. In June 1955 she graduated from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC, and on June 10 she married US Navy Lt. Watson Murphy. She began her teaching career in Norfolk, where he was stationed. Once he completed his tour of duty, his career in sales moved them often. For almost 60 years, she walked beside him.

Daughters Margaret Louise, Kay Harriet, and Laura Elizabeth were born between the years 1958 and 1963. Once they reached school age, she resumed her teaching career as the first principal and third grade teacher of Cambridge Academy in Greenwood, SC. At each new location, the teaching credentials opened new opportunities for her. Over the span of her career, she received numerous awards for excellence, both in the classroom and beyond. She retired after 25 years to begin her next career as "Grandmother."
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed sewing, music, and playing bridge with friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Watson Murphy and a brother, Roger Powell. Surviving are daughters Margaret Pearson Bullock and husband the rev Dr. Lynn Bullock, of Wilmington; Kay Murphy Paul, Salisbury; Laura Elizabeth Murphy, North Topsail Beach; grandchildren Charles William Paul and wife Alex, Salisbury; Katherine Vogler Paul of Summerville, SC; Isaac Pearson and wife Sidney of Lincolnton, NC; and Jack Pearson, of Decatur, GA; and great-grandchildren Henry Hudson Paul and Emerson Belle Paul, of Salisbury. Also surviving are brother-in-law Jim Murphy and wife Irene Dow Murphy of Greenwood, SC.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be directed to either American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023 or online at diabetes.org or to First Presbyterian Church Salisbury Building Fund, 308 S. Fisher Street, Salisbury 28144.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171