Helen Irene Murphy

Helen Irene Murphy, 94, of Morganton died Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Burke Hospice following a period of declining health. Born May 8, 1917 in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late Alfred Cordell and Nora Louise Wright Cordell. Helen was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton. She was an avid Braves fan and enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She was a former employee of both the Mimosa and Fox Theaters for many years.A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Helen is survived by sons, Bobby Lee Murphy of Morganton, and Larry Dean Murphy of the home; a daughter, Ann Lowery of Morganton; a brother, Paul Edward Cordell of Morganton; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Murphy; a son, Glen Ray Murphy; brothers, Alvin and Tommy Cordell; and sisters, Virginia Bowman and Annie Gunter.Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30, 2011 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. James Taber officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.