Obituary: Doris Davis Murphy

Doris Davis Murphy, 95, of Kinston, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Harmony Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, E. Garland Murphy; parents, Benjamin and Bessie Davis; brothers, Robert Davis, Thurman Davis, and Jesse Ray Davis; daughters, Joan Murphy Worthington and Diane Murphy Spence; and grandson, Denny Martin Spence, Jr.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Jeremy Worthington, Dana Wade, Tiffany Johnson, David Spence, Travis Worthington, Amber Sherman, and Ashley Lovett; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by several special nieces and nephews, a few close friends, and her “Sweet Debbie” Craven, whom she thought of and referred to as a beloved daughter.

For over 20 years, Doris and her husband Garland owned and operated Murphy’s Fish and Produce. They served their community with hard work and care from the early 1970’s onward. Through their business of selling a variety of plants, produce, hand-made lawn ornaments, and many other items, she built lasting relationships and became a familiar and trusted presence to many in Lenoir County.

Doris found great joy in yard work, especially tending to her flowers. She had a creative spirit that shone through in her painting, giving life to the outdoor wood cut-outs she and Garland proudly made and sold at their store.

She was also an animal lover at heart, and nurtured and cared deeply for her many cats over the years, treating them as cherished members of her family. Her gentle and compassionate nature extended to everyone she met, and she will be remembered as a great friend to all who knew her.

Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion to family and community will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, with Dr. T.D. Worthington officiating.