Elder Sherion Palmer Murphy

REIDSVILLE, NC - Elder Sherion Palmer Murphy, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at her residence.

A viewing will begin on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 12 until 7 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC. 

A musical celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from the Elm Grove Baptist Church, 1302 US-29 Business, Reidsville, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the service 1 p.m. 

The interment will follow in Greenview Cemetery, Reidsville, NC. 

Sherion Diann Palmer Murphy, a devoted servant of God, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly reward on June 14, 2026. She was born on October 2,1949, in Reidsville, North Carolina, to the late Robert Earl Palmer and Lucy Smith Palmer. She was the third of eight children born to this union.

From an early age, Sherion developed a deep love for music. Under the guidance of her Aunt the late Vivian Palmer Graves, she and her sisters learned to sing in harmony, eventually forming the Palmer Sisters Ensemble. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for music.

Determined to further develop her gifts, Sherion took piano lessons and learned to play, using her musical talents throughout her life to enrich worship, mentor others, and serve faithfully in numerous church ministries.

Sherion received her education in the Reidsville City School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1967. She continued her studies at Rockingham Community College, where she earned a certificate in Secretarial Science.

Throughout her professional career, Sherion was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. She began her employment at Annie Penn Hospital in the Pharmacy Department. She later worked for the City of Reidsville as a billing clerk and was subsequently promoted to the Payroll Department.

Sherion eventually transitioned to Reidsville City Schools, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

In 1969, Sherion married Aaron Curtis Blackwell, and to this union one daughter, Yolanda Drenell Blackwell, was born in 1970. In 1977, she married Thomas Robert Murphy Jr., gaining a bonus son, Brian Murphy. Their union was further blessed with the birth of their daughter, Tiffany Diann Murphy, in 1986.

Sherion was a lifelong and faithful member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she dedicated countless years of service in numerous ministries and leadership roles. Her service included being a children's choir member, Sunshine Band, youth usher, member of Cairo and Christian Youth Fellowship, Young Adult Choir President, Fellowship Choir member and president, co-founder of the Generation for Christ Ministry, youth Bible study teacher, Chair of the Christian Education Department, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, Christian Youth Fellowship leader, children's choir director and musician, Christian Women's Fellowship President, Senior/Gospel Choir member and director, Dance Ministry member and advisor, founder of the Women's Choir, member of the Fruit of the Spirit Ministry, Angel Food/One Harvest Ministry participant, Trustee and Trustee Chair, Elder, and member of the transpiration committee.

Beyond her local congregation, Sherion faithfully served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on the district, regional, and national levels. At the district level, she served as a trustee, member-at-large, Christian Women's Fellowship (later known as Disciples Women's Ministry) member and President, Piedmont District Convention (PDC) Choir member, and PDC Camp and Conference counselor. Having attended Camp and Conference as a child, she later returned to invest in the lives of others through her leadership and mentorship.

At the regional and national levels, Sherion attended numerous Regional Assemblies as a delegate and Spring DEWs (Disciples Enriching Women). She served on the planning committee for the Quadrennial Assembly, participated in the National Disciples Women's Ministry, and attended many General Assemblies and National Convocations. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and church family left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Sherion's love for people extended far beyond the walls of the church and into the heart of the Reidsville community. A dedicated supporter of Reidsville High School since 1981, she was an enthusiastic fan of Rams athletics, especially football and basketball. Whether cheering from the stands or encouraging students and families, she took great pride in supporting the accomplishments of local youth.

Committed to the betterment of her community, Sherion supported the local chapter of the NAACP and was an active member of the City-Wide Revival Choir. Her passion for nurturing young people was evident in the many ways she served them. She frequently opened her heart and home by providing meals and refreshments to youth after their activities at the Recreation Center, creating a welcoming space where they felt valued and cared for.

Sherion also believed that ministry should reach beyond the church building. The youth Bible study she led expanded into the broader community, bringing together young people from multiple neighborhoods and churches. From this vision, Generation for Christ Ministries wasborn; a community-based Bible study and outreach ministry that touched the lives of countless youth and families throughout the area. Sherion was an avid bowler, bowling for many years in a bowling league, The Mary Mixers. She was excellent in her skill, bowling one strike short of a perfect game.

Sherion was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Earl and Lucy Smith Palmer; her siblings, Ronald Palmer, Mazie Simpson, Gaydrenell Palmer, Vonzella Palmer, Yvette Motley, and Yvonne Motley; numerous aunts and uncles; and her parents-in-law, Thomas Robert Murphy Sr. and Colleen Murphy.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of 48 years, Thomas Murphy; daughters, Yolanda Robinson (Ralph) and Tiffany Murphy; sons, Brian Murphy and Adrian Ekanem; grandchildren, Joshua Womble, Palmer Womble, Sean Robinson, Joshua Murphy, Jaida Murphy, and Adriana Ekanem; great-granddaughter, Ayliah Calvin; great-godson, Kaiden Stancel; sister, Joy Palmer; brother-in-law, Henry Simpson; special nephews, Keith Palmer (Tomecia) and Roderick Simpson; nieces, La'Shonda Palmer, Keisha Motley, Tammy Simpson, Freedasia Motley, and Yvonne Motley; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; aunt, Yvonne Millner; uncle, James Smith; special friends, Carolyn Nimmons and Madelyn McClinton; godchildren, Jack and Ruthie Nimmons; and many other relatives, church family members, and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Sherion's life was a testament to faith, service, love, and dedication. Through her generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others, she left a lasting legacy in her family, her church, and the Reidsville community she loved so dearly. Her influence will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched, the ministries she helped build, and the many people she encouraged, mentored, and inspired. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Service by McLaurin-Harris