Gloria Jean Murphy

Gloria Jean Richardson Holmes Murphy, 85, of Wortham, Texas, entered the arms of Jesus on April 9, 2026. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the First Baptist Church of Wortham, Texas. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 15th, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Wortham, Texas. Officiating the service will be Reverend Justin Colquette, Danny Richardson, Jr. and Sonny Rice. The burial will be at Sardis Cemetery. 

Gloria was born on November 25, 1940, to Carmie Lee and Andrew Dilsworth Richardson in Teague, Texas. Gloria married Earl Jackson (Jack) Holmes on April 5, 1958. Together they had two daughters, Susan Diane in 1959 and Robbin Dell in 1960. Jack passed away in 1962, and their daughter, Robbin, passed away from a congenital heart defect in 1972. Later in life Gloria had a son, James Wayne Gilliam, in 1979. James passed away from a car accident in 2005. 

While raising her daughters, she worked as a nurse’s aide for Dr. Norris Buchmeyer, a hospital aide, and a secretary in a CPA office, but her most rewarding job was keeping the children in the nursery at First Baptist Church of Wortham for 20 plus years. She was a bonus grandmother to many of the children she kept at the church nursery, as well as to those she nurtured at her home for many years. 

In 2007, God put Gloria and Aubrie Ann Dunn in each other's path in a time when they needed one another the most. She and Don kept Aubrie for 5 years and gave her very special attention, often never

putting her down and rocking her all day long. One of the last children Gloria kept was Reese, Aubrie’s little sister. Gloria (Mimi) was not able to keep up with that little firecracker for too long! 

Gloria adored her family, especially her daughter Susan and her children. She and Don followed their every move from athletics, to horse industry related events, and college rodeos. She watched them train and exhibit roping horses. She and Don attended as many events as they possibly could over the years until recently when their health prevented them from attending. Distance did not keep them from supporting them though, as they watched all they could on the iPad, live streaming all their grandchildren’s events. 

Gloria was an excellent cook!! She had many requests for her chicken and dressing, chicken and dumplings, coconut pie, chocolate pie and peach cobbler! Often receiving calls on how to make them “just right”. One of her favorite times was getting together yearly at the family reunion sharing recipes, all the good food, and recalling the good old days. 

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Susan Holmes Rice and husband Matlock; her grandchildren, Casey Matlock Rice and wife Jodi; Cade Holmes Rice and wife Denni; Robbin Lea Rice Blankenship and husband Kirby; her cherished great grandchildren, Cambry and Creed Rice; Rhea and Ryle Rice; and a granddaughter and grandson on the way. She is also survived by step children, Donna McCord and Clovie; Tita Tucker and Gary; Tracy Devers and David; and Randy Murphy, as well as their children and grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Danny Ray Richardson and wife Jane; sister, Carolyn Dunn; and many nieces and nephews that she adored. 

Gloria is preceded in death by her late husband Donald Hershel Murphy; her first husband Earl Jackson (Jack) Holmes; daughter, Robbin Dell Holmes; son, James Wayne Gilliam; her parents, Carmie Lee and Andrew Dilsworth Richardson; sisters, Lockett Chandler, Verdell Lord, Patsy Wright, Bobby Sue Stewart; and brother, AD (Sonny) Richardson. 

Gloria’s heavenly homecoming comes just 3 ½ weeks after the death of her husband Don. Their loss is tremendous to our family and we cherish the fact that they are reunited with the family that went before them and they are resting in the arms of Jesus. 

Serving as Pallbearers: 

Casey Rice and son, Creed 

Cade Rice 

Kirby Blankenship 

Donnie Lord 

Steven Stewart 

Lawton Stewart 

Craig Chandler 

We want to extend a huge thank you to Shirley and Nelda Busby who cared for and comforted Gloria and Don. These ladies also

shared a deep concern for Donna and Susan as they honored their parents, caring for them immensely over the last few months. We want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Reliant At Home Hospice Care. They are a wonderful group who exhibit the true heart of God as they care for their patients and their families. 

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to: 

The Gloria and Don Murphy Camp Fund 

First Baptist Church of Wortham 

PO Box 426 

Wortham, Texas 76693

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