Bernice Murphy

The Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home announce that Mrs. Bernice Squirewell Murphy, 92, of 201 Calhoun Street, Winnsboro, South Carolina peacefully departed her earthly life Sunday, April 5, 2015,  at  Pruitt Health of Ridgeway, South Carolina. 

Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 10, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at Shiloh First Presbyterian Church  Winnsboro, South Carolina, 1770 State Hwy 213 Winnsboro, South Carolina.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  

Public viewing will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015, 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 

The Eastern Stars cermeony will be held  Wednesday evening, April 9, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson's Funeral Home,  270  N. Dogwood Ave.,  Ridgeway, South Carolina.

Her Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset

Bernice Squirewell Murphy was born June 13, 1922 to the late Isaiah and Carrie Squirewell.  After a brief illness, on April 5, 2015, Easter Sunday, she went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Birthplace

Bernice was born in Simpson, South Carolina and  was the youngest daughter of Isaiah and Carrie.

 Education/Church Affiliation

She attended Fairfield County Public Schools. She grew up and was a member of St. Mark Baptist Church in Simpson, South Carolina.  The church was organized by her grandfather, Osborne Squirewell, Sr.  in 1871.  Bernice loved going to church and accepted Christ at an early age.  She later became a faithful member of Shiloh First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Winnsboro, South Carolina after entering into holy matrimony with her husband, Lonnie Murphy, who preceded her in death.  She was an active member of Shiloh and served on the choir for many years.

Civic Affiliation 

Bernice was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Stars, Progressive Chapter # 253, Winnsboro, S.C. where she served faithfully until her health began to decline.  Although she was unable to attend Star meetings, she remained financially active and engaged with her Star sisters.

Work History

In her early years, Bernice was a homemaker and caregiver for her mother-in-law. Later she entered the workforce and eventually retired from the Fairfield County School System where she tirelessly worked as a member of Kelly Miller Elementary School’s cafeteria staff.

Passions

Bernice loved cooking, eating, gardening, sitting on the porch and greeting people as they walked or drove by her home.  She loved flowers, attending family functions and loved to read.  Even at 92, she was still interested in reading the newspaper and watching the news to keep up with current events.

Blessed and Highly Favored

Bernice was truly blessed and loved by everyone that crossed her path and had the opportunity to get to know her. She was blessed to live independently for many years; blessed to be with her sister on Alice’s 99th birthday on February 24, 2015; blessed to maintain a flower and vegetable garden in her 80’s  and 90’s. Everything she planted flourished.

Bernice was a giving and caring person. She cared for all of her siblings during their health challenges, as well as, many of her late husband’s relatives.  This was a testament to her belief in God’s word found in Galatians 6:9,10, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those who are of the household of faith.”  Finally, she was truly blessed and highly favored by God to be clothed in her right mind until her passing, praise God! 

Gone on Before Her

In addition to being preceded in death by her parents and husband, as previously stated, Bernice was also preceded in death by brothers Isaiah, Jr., Faye, Ernest, Waddell, Willie, and Ulease; sisters,  Lola Bell, Sudie, and Henrietta.

To Cherish Memorable Moments

She leaves her only remaining sibling Alice S. Beale, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; devoted sister-in-Law and friend,  Mattie L. Squirewell of Winnsboro, South Carolina; devoted niece and caregiver, Estelle Squirewell Chappelle of Winnsboro, South Carolina; and a host of other loving and caring nieces and nephews, many of whom she took as her children. She also leaves a host of cousins and a goddaughter, Rosina Simmons.

 Service Information