Jean A. (Miller) Murphy

Jean A. Murphy, 90, of Battle Creek died on Thursday, January 15, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

Jean was born in Streator, Illinois to Herbert Almon and Myrtle (Bandre) Miller on December 14, 1924. She grew up in Streator and was a 1942 graduate of Streator High School. After high school Jean went to Chicago and worked at the Merchant Mart, until moving back to Streator in 1948.

Jean married Donald R. Davis in Streator, IL on June 4, 1948. Don, a former Postal worker in Battle Creek, preceded her in death on January 17, 1962. Jean was married to William A. Murphy in Battle Creek on December 20, 1970. Bill, who owned and operated Murphy Trailer Sales and Campgrounds, preceded her in death on March 3, 1984. She was also preceded in death by siblings Lawrence and Geraldine Peacock, Lloyd Miller, Marjorie Harper, Evelyn Hall, Tensie Reece, Herbert Miller Jr. and Marilyn Mitchell. Surviving are her daughter, Marjorie J. Davis of Honolulu, Hawaii; a son, Donald R. (Mary) Davis of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and a brother, Paul (Marge) Miller of Yellow Springs, OH.

Jean was the former owner and operator of Murphy's "Wilton" Cake Supplies on East Columbia Avenue 1972 - 1986. She was employed by Post Division of Kraft Foods for 31 years, retiring in 1980.

Jean was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1954. She was involved at Post Elementary, Southeastern Junior High and Battle Creek Central High School in parent organizations. She was a member of Parents Without Partners, where she met her second husband, Bill. She believed in living life and enjoying its beauty while you were physically able; traveled extensively, and was a member of a motorcycle travel club with her husband, Bill. She was a member of the Calhoun County Conservation Club, loved nature and the Hart's Lake Preserve. She enjoyed dancing, gave dancing lessons, and participated in local Senior Olympics. She was an active and involved member of Burnham Brook Community Center where she volunteered and enjoyed the monthly Lew Boyd dances. Jean loved the Post Addition neighborhood and was a member of Creating Change where she helped to support Post Park, Hamilton Park and improvements in the Post-Franklin neighborhood. She was proud of her Slovak heritage and was a long-time participant in area ethnic festivals where she sold her baked goods.

Private burial services will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Battle Creek Cancer Care Center or to Burnham Brook Community Center. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com or mailed to 489 Cliff St. B.C., MI 49014.