Wanda Darlene Murphy, 69, of Princeton, died Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Glenwood Healthcare Center. Born February 10, 1954, in McDowell County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Jack Lyons and Myrtle Hogston Lyons Dillon and her grandmother, Lottie Hogston, who helped to raise her.

Wanda loved the Lord and was a member of Johnston Chapel Baptist Church on Halls Ridge Road in Princeton. Wanda graduated from Big Creek High School, Bluefield State College with a degree in Business Administration and was a member of the Sorority Delta Kappa Tau during her time there. She later earned a second bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Concord College. She was a former employee for Blaydes Clinic in Bluefield where she initiated vison outreach programs for the community.

Wanda was a talented and gifted artist, having studied under the renowned artist Jean Claude Gaugy, she helped him to create the mural titled "The Awakening". She had her own gallery in Princeton, as well as having her paintings exhibited in the Ezair Gallery in New York, Kenneth Raymond Gallery in Boca Raton, FL, and in the Hamptons, as well. Wanda was highly respected in the art world, having her work listed in Art of America, The National & International Collectors Guide and the New York Gallery Guide. Wanda enjoyed traveling and life in general but loved spending time with her grandchildren, who called her "MeMe". Wanda was a member of the Athens Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted husband of 41 years, Sam Murphy. One daughter, Melissa (Missy) Dunford Simmons and husband Joey. One step-daughter, Karaleigh Murphy. Two grandchildren, Logan and Allison Simmons. Half-brother, Matt Dillon and wife Nancy. Several nieces, nephews, friends and special caregiver Valerie Price.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Wanda Murphy, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 24, 2023, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Pastor Jim Simmons officiating.  A private burial will be in the Murphy Family Cemetery in Princeton. Friends may visit with the family 1:00 P.M. from until the service hour at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be Joey Simmons, Logan Simmons, Will Stafford, Joe Stafford, Perry Stafford and Buddy Kinser. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Roby Pennington and Duard Addington.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com . The Murphy family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.