Hazel Murphy

Hazel Alice Ownbey Murphy died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She had been very ill for quite awhile. Growing up in Etowah, she had a truly idyllic life as the only daughter of Howard and Viva Ownbey. While attending the University of Tennessee, she was swept off her feet by handsome Air Force Officer Billy Murphy. They married and together they travelled to duty posts all over, including Japan. Hazel was the ideal military wife, setting up household and raising four children, two boys and two girls. Returning to Tennessee and settling in Chattanooga when her husband retired from the military, she adored being "back home". Her children grown, she took on a new challenge, building what became an extremely successful career in Real Estate throughout the 80's and 90's. Hazel was kind and encouraging to all. Her kindness to strangers was legendary. Her wit and charm, steeped in Southern tradition, made her a sought after guest and hostess. She was the perfect hostess in her many roles in Missionary Ridge Garden Club and Five By Five. Ever the fascinating conversationalist, she garnered many friends, many life long. And they will tell you she was a beautiful person both inside and out. Her angelically beautiful singing voice could be heard throughout her Missionary Ridge home as well as in her Sunday School Class and the First Centenary Choir. As a child in Etowah, she dreamed big. She loved and was loved. She travelled the world, married her Prince Charming, and reared four wonderful children. She bloomed where she was planted and yet she sought new challenges. Heather, as she was affectionately known, was her own proud person. Survived by her husband, Billy W. Murphy and children, Mary L. Tabb, Oklahoma City, Billy H.(Jan) Murphy, Cleveland, Tenn., Nan Murphy, Todd W. (Mary Ellen) Murphy, Chattanooga; five grandchildren, Leah Tabb( Kevin) Henderson, Jeffery Lynn Tabb, Adam Cox (Tiffany) Murphy, William Scott Murphy and Benjamin Wade Murphy; one great-grandchild Harlan Dean Henderson. Visitation will be at Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 17. Life Celebration Service will be at noon Wednesday, Dec. 18, at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, with visitation at the church one hour before the service. Private graveside service and burial will follow at the National Cemetery. Donations may be made to First-Centenary Choir or Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga. The family sends a sincere gratitude to Lisa Ayers, her caregiver and Lora Baker (RN) of Hearth Hospice. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 S.Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37415.