Betty Jean (Spence) Murphy

Betty Jean Murphy died peacefully in her sleep with her loving daughters Mary Lou and Debbie by her side on Saturday, October 25, 2025. She was 90 years old. She was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC, by her parents Betty and Ashby Spence, and her older brother David. She met John Barry Murphy in high school, and they later married. As the wife of an Air Force officer, she started a family life marked by travel, packing, and children. Her 6 children were born in Rocky Mount NC, Dayton OH, Kingston NC, Clovis NM, Bitburg Germany, and Nashville TN, in addition to being stationed in many other military locations.

After settling in NJ she decided to get her Associates Degree as an LPN. Betty worked for many years at Kimball Medical Center. Betty and her daughter Debbie, an RN, would share their daily experiences working in the hospital, however graphic, at family dinners. She enjoyed concerts with friends at the Toms River Bandshell and Garden State Arts Center and hosted many notorious parties at their house in Shelter Cove.

Following her retirement and moving to Alabama, Betty enjoyed visits from the kids and their families at their lakefront home. Once she divorced, she moved to Marietta, GA, and finally settled in Manchester, NJ, where she lived peacefully until her death. She greatly enjoyed sitting in her chair, as well as reading novels and chatting about them with her daughter Judy. She fancied herself an expert on the news, and loved to discuss it on every visit or phone call. She was thrilled in her obligation to note the comings and goings of her kids and grandkids on her calendar, where she would track everyone’s upcoming trips and warn them about the forecast and any potential geopolitical turmoil. She never missed a birthday, and made sure everyone received a birthday card. Sharp as a tack until the end, she stayed up to date with the lives of her grandchildren, and was in constant wonderment of her great-grandchildren’s nonstop energy. She was deeply affected by the passing of her eldest daughter Catherine and spoke to her picture every day.

Betty is predeceased by her father Ashby, mother Betty, brother David, and daughter Catherine. Betty is survived by her daughter Debbie and husband Mike, son John with wife Jan, Michael (Pat) and wife Sue, Judy and husband Jeff, and Mary Lou and husband Gary. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Cassandra, Jennifer, Christopher, Shaunna, Patrick, Daniel, Chase, Jamie and Morgan. And great-grandchildren: Olivia, Carter, Tristan, Mathew and Luca.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Manera’s Restaurant, 950 Cedar Bridge Ave, Brick, NJ from 1:00pm till 4:00 pm.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com