Joan Grace Starr Murphy

Joan Grace Starr Murphy, 81, of Greenwood, received her eternal reward in Heaven, for a life well lived, on Saturday, June 7, 2014.


She was born in Indianapolis, to the late Dana and Elizabeth Starr on July 11, 1932 (unless you're her son Eric, her birth date was July 21, 1932.)

She graduated from Broad Ripple High School and received her BS degree in education from Butler University.

She was married to Russell Murphy, and he survives, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 25 of this year.

Joan loved children and lived to teach. She began her life's pursuit teaching elementary education. Further, she demonstrated her love of children and animals by leading the Putnam County 4-H dog obedience training for 10 years.

Joan dedicated herself to sharing her faith in Jesus for more than 30 years as the fourth-grade Sunday school teacher, at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood.

Joan also loved music, teaching piano lessons and singing in the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church Choir.

She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Eastern Star. 


Joan "Smurf" Murphy was also an award-winning real estate agent and Million Dollar Producer with Century 21 Lorene Ward Co. for more than 20 years.



In addition to her husband Russ, Joan is survived by her children, Susan Murphy, Eric Murphy (Sarah) and Gregg Murphy (Carol); grandchildren Lucas Murphy, Clayton Murphy, Betsy Murphy, Jessica Meredith, Paige Murphy and Beth Ann Murphy.


Calling hours will take place from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main St. Rev. Spence Tuttle will officiate a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Children's Dyslexia Center at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 650 N. Meridan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 or Mt Pleasant Church www.thechurch.com in Joan's memory. www.wilsonstpierre.com.