Francis "Maxine" (Waldon) Murphy

Francis “Maxine” Murphy, 93, of Pflugerville, Texas, formerly of Crossett, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Maxine spent most of her life in Crossett and attended Mississippi Women’s College, where she majored in music, laying the foundation for a life filled with melody and service. She was a faithful and devoted member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she used her God-given talent to serve others by playing the organ, a role she cherished deeply. Music was her lifelong passion, and she took great joy in practicing and perfecting her skills.

Throughout her life, Maxine wore many hats. She worked as a medical transcriptionist, served as an insurance clerk for the Harold Jarvis Agency, and at one time owned her own women’s clothing store. Later in life, after moving to Palatka, Florida, she returned to school and became a licensed practical nurse, continuing her life’s work of caring for others.

Maxine was the embodiment of a true Southern lady—gracious, refined, and always beautifully put together. She was quiet-spoken, yet her gentle spirit and warm presence spoke volumes. With a natural elegance and kindness, she carried herself with dignity in every setting. Her faith guided her daily life, and she found comfort and strength in reading her Bible each day.

She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including traveling, fishing, and especially playing canasta. She was a longtime member of a ladies’ canasta club in Crossett that met monthly, where she was known as a clever and “sneaky” opponent, always keeping others on their toes.

Above all, Maxine loved the Lord with all her heart and treasured her family deeply. Her life was a reflection of her faith, and the love she shared with those closest to her will be remembered and cherished always.

She is preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Tommy Hugh Murphy; her parents, Harmon Jackson and Annie Lucille Barton Waldon.

She leaves behind her four children, Rick Murphy (Ellen) of Panama City, FL, Paula Hayden Hinds (Rick) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Janine Murphy of Newport, AR, and Todd Murphy (Vera) of Pflugerville, TX; along with four grandchildren, Matthew and Meghan Murphy, Ashley Hayden Capps, and James Cecil Hayden; and four great-grandchildren, Hayden Grace Capps, Phillip Tyler Capps, Jace Parker Hayden, and Kenzie Kate Hayden.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, April 6th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Pastor Doug Hibbard, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the funeral home prior to the service.

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