Obituary of Anna Belle Murphy

Murphy, Anna B. was born on September 21, 1921 to the late Reverend Oscar Roberts and Alice Dixon-Roberts. Annie and all of her brothers and sisters lived and grew up in East Riverton. Annie was educated in what is now considered the Cinnaminson School District. She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1939. Some time after graduating she decided to move to Newark, New Jersey. It was there she met her husband to be, John Murphy. They married and resided in Newark, but later purchased a home in East Orange. It was in East Orange that Annie decided she wanted to attend "Beauty (Cosmetology) school" to become a licensed "hair Dresser". She then decided to open up her own business which she operated for years. Annie was taught to have faith in God and serve the Lord at an early age. While growing up she attended Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Riverton with her parents, brothers and sisters. When she moved to Newark, she became a member of Israel Memorial A.M.E. Church. She attended regularly and became a dedicated member of the Usher Board for over 30 years. After her retirement, Annie returned to South Jersey to be closer to the family. She moved to Lindenwold and joined Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Kresson where she was welcomed with open arms. She became a member of the Stewardess Board which she loved and served with pride, looking forward to Communion Sunday. Annie in later years became a volunteer worker at the NJ State Aquarium. She also loved to bowl and often spoke of the good times with her bowling league. Her caring spirit always seemed to show toward her sisters. She always tried to check and see how they were and if things were ok. She departed this life on Friday, June 10, 2001. She leaves to cherish her memory two sisters, Esther Rhodes and Evelyn Bennett; sister-in-law, Clifford Murphy; a son, Ronald Murphy and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.