Maybelle Murphree

Maybelle (Pierson) Murphree, 90, of Comanche, Texas passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020 in Abilene, Texas the day before Easter.

A graveside burial will be held on Monday, April 13, 2020, at 2:00 PM at Blake Cemetery in Brown County, Texas with David Williams officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home in Cross Plains, Texas. Due to restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 virus, service attendance will be limited. If you would like to attend the graveside service, we ask that you follow social distancing rules or remain inside your vehicle once at the cemetery. The family appreciates your attendance but wants everyone to be safe during this time.

Maybelle, known later in life as Granny, was born May 23, 1929 in Lampasas, Texas to the late Hiram Pierson and Dora (Wootten) Pierson. She attended the public school at Comyn for most of her school years completing her education at May High School in 1946. After graduating, she worked as a telephone operator in the Dallas and Houston areas, bragging that she was once hung up on by Bob Hope. Maybelle married William Elton Murphree in Grapevine, Texas on September 20, 1949. They soon after moved to Williams, Texas where they built a home and a life raising four sons on their farm. Between the two of them, Easter was by far their favorite family holiday.

Maybelle was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years on April 22, 2003 -- 2 days after Easter. She was also preceded by her parents; three brothers, Harold, Roger, and Norman Pierson; and three sisters, Rosemary Pierson, Louise Barlow, and Genevieve Tomm.

Maybelle is survived by her four sons, James “Doc” Murphree and wife, Janet of Sidney; Charles B. Murphree and wife, Barbara of Romney; William “Bill” Murphree and wife, Teri of May; Ted L. Murphree and wife, Sherri of Rising Star; 10 grandchildren, Becky Jones, Scott Murphree, Josh Murphree, Kinsey Burrus, Meredith Longino, Conner Murphree, Chelsea Murphree, Emily Lacy, Stacey Murphree, Melanie Murphree; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for their Granny will be Scott Murphree, Brandon Jones, Joshua Murphree, Conner Murphree, Dillon Burrus, Will Longino, and Morgan Lacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Blake Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1063, Rising Star, TX 76471.