Obituary of Magnolia Murphy

Magnolia Murphy, 87, of Niles, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 6, 2018, after an extended illness.

Magnolia, who many affectionately referred to as “Sister”, was born on June 16, 1931, to the late Haskins and Lillie (Taberon) Palmer in Round Pond, Arkansas. In 1939 the family relocated to Michigan. 

Magnolia gave her life to Jesus Christ at an early age.  She served faithfully at Bethlehem Baptist Church (House of Bread) in Niles, Michigan under the leadership of Bishop Dennis R. Giden.  Magnolia loved her family and her church.  She was employed by St. Mary’s College until her retirement in 1993. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Haskins and Lillie Palmer and siblings, Ardessie Foster, Hubert Palmer, Dick Palmer, Leola Palmer, and James Palmer.

Magnolia is survived by her children, Delores Taylor-Love of South Bend, Bruce Smith of Dowagiac, Enners Smith and Jeanette Smith both of Ypsilanti, Wanda Thompson, Marilyn (George) Baker, Deborah Murphy, Donna Lemons, and Ralph Murphy all of Niles; siblings, Sylvester “Roundtree” Palmer of Niles, Eugene (Alberta) Palmer of Los Angeles, Izola Reynolds and Iola Tramble both of Elkhart, and Sammy Murphy of Niles; 36 grandchildren; a special niece whom she thought of as a daughter, Pricilla Palmer; and many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; cousins; extended family members and close friends.

A closed casket homegoing service will be held at noon on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Christian Life Center South Bend located at 1717 North Hickory Road in South Bend 46635.