Barbara (Willis) Murphy

     Barbara Ann Willis Murphy passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Burgaw NC at the age of 86, surrounded by loved ones. Born on June 8, 1939, in Charlotte Court House, Virginia, to parents Reverend Henry Leslie Willis and Nanni Frances Javotte Dent Willis, Barbara lived a life of beauty, laughter, and love.

      Barbara’s early life was filled with travel. When Barbara was only 18 months old, her family moved to Richmond, VA, when her father became an active-duty soldier and served honorably in World War II. Towards the end of the war, her family then moved to Northern Virginia. Barbara moved with her family to West Virginia to finish her studies and graduate from Tygarts Valley High School in 1957.

      After her graduation, Barbara visited her parents who were living in Atkinson, NC. While there, she met their neighbor and her future husband of 65 years, William “Billy” Alexander Murphy. Barbara stayed close to Billy and her family, attending Wilmington College and marrying Billy in her parents’ Atkinson home in 1960. In 1962, Barbara and Billy moved to Burgaw, NC, where they have since resided and become pillars of the community. Barbara, affectionately known as “Kiki”, was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother along with being a devoted wife, daughter, and sister. She is survived by her two daughters, Leslie Ann Murphy Woehr and her husband, Scott William Woehr, and Alyson Elizabeth Murphy; five grandchildren; Isabelle Sage Farley, Darian Murphy Woehr, Miriam Caprielle Woehr, Thea Alyssandra Woehr, and Fenrich Alexander Larson; and two great grandchildren: Rhett Hendrix McGinnis and Sloane Reids McGinnis. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Betsy Gay Willis, niece Valerie Wilhite, nephews Henry Gay Willis, Guy Davis Willis and her many great-nieces and nephews.

     Barbara’s friends and family remember her love for cats. At some points in her life, she had up to eight cats in her care. She had a passion for yoga and real talent for painting. Barbara was a woman who knew how to dress; and she always looked stylish. Her grandchildren will always associate her with the sound of jangling bangles that ran up and down her arms. With Barbara, laughter and inspiration came easily to those around her.

      Barbara had a strong and life-long presence in the Burgaw community. She was an active member of the Burgaw Presbyterian Church, the Pender County Home Demonstration Club, the Pender County UDC, and the Wilmington chapter of UDC, the Battle of Moores Creek DAR. She was also a founding member of the Burgaw Garden Club, a longtime member of the Burgaw Books Club, and a charter member of the Southport National Society of Southern Dames. Always busy, Barbara and her friend Dawn Connor ran a needlework shop in Burgaw for many years; and Barbara also worked for Doctor Jeffrey Pupp in Wallace, NC.

     Barbara touched the lives of many, and forged friendships and memories that will leave fondness in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be missed but not soon forgotten.

     The memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Burgaw Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Robert Bayley conducting the service. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the John D. Rivenbark Pavilion.

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the tribute wall.

     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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