Bettye Jean Murphy

Bettye Jean Murphy was the third of seven children born to George
Norwood & Myrtle Beatrice Dismuke in San Antonio, TX. Her husband, Raymond Murphy, Jr., parents, one brother, George Dismuke, Jr. and three sisters, Cecelia Ann Hill, Sandra Kay Vaughn and Patsy Jane Dismuke preceded her in death. Bettye was the most selfess and sweetest person ever. She was a very devoted mother, grandmother, and found so much joy, fulfillment and satisfaction in spending time with her family.

Bettye was baptized at an early age at New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. P.S. Wilkinson. She later moved her membership to New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a dedicated member, with Dr. Paul D. Stevens, Sr. as Pastor.

She attended Phillis Wheatley High School in San Antonio, Texas, Class of 1959. As an Education major at St. Phillips College, she excelled academically and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts at Our Lady of the Lake University. For 49 years, she played a major role in so many young lives by serving as an educator. For decades, she worked for San Antonio Independent School District at Edgar Allen Poe Middle School where she even helped to coach baseball. She was a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Phyllis Wheatley Alumni Association, and former member of the Electa Chapter #1492 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Bettye received many awards and positions, however she will be known for her smile, her festive style in clothes, along with her gift for arts & crafts. Even during her illness, she enjoyed praising God and singing in the choir.

She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her daughter, Pamela Murphy-Cook, and granddaughter, Laila Cook, of Houston, TX; siblings, Charles Dismuke (Mary) and Sheila Dismuke-Williams, a great host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.