Helen Colpitt Murphy

Helen Colpitt Murphy, 85, Collinsville business woman and civic leader, died Monday, April 25, 2011. She was born March 13, 1926 in Collinsville to Susan Cottom Colpitt and Chester Ray Colpitt. She graduated from Collinsville High School in 1943 and from Hockaday Junior College in Dallas, TX, in 1945. She also attended the University of Tulsa. She was an avid supporter of all three.

She married her high school sweetheart, Capt. Jack L. Murphy, U.S. Army Air Corps, on June 28, 1945, shortly after he returned from the war in Italy. After the war, the couple lived in Tulsa and then returned to Collinsville in 1955, where they lived the rest of their lives.

Active in many women’s clubs and community organizations, she remained one of Collinsville’s proudest residents. As she traveled to district, state and regional meetings, she always spoke about her wonderful hometown.

She was a past president and a 50-year member of Chapter CC, P.E.O., and served as president of the Tulsa P.E.O. Reciprocity. She was also a 50-year member and past president of the Collinsville GFWC Home Representative Club and in 1988 helped establish the club’s scholarship fund for local high school seniors. She served in many GFWC district offices and for years was known as the “scholarship lady” because she chaired the district scholarship projects.

A charter member of the Collinsville Community Church since its inception in 1930, she rarely missed Sunday School or church services and was a member of Faith Circle. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years.

Perhaps one of her greatest impacts was on the lives of the young people of this community as she mentored them, cheered for them and enthusiastically supported them in Cub Scouts, Camp Fire, 4-H, FFA, band, Rainbow Girls, church, athletics and other endeavors. She rarely missed an activity involving her children and grandchildren.

She was an independent oil and gas producer and was president of Reconstruction, Inc., the corporation which owned a local business for several years. Her interest in Collinsville extended to refurbishing some empty buildings on Main Street in the early 1990’s with the hope of improving the city’s appearance and strengthening its economy. She received the “Collinsville Spirit Award” from the Collinsville Chamber.

Survivors include children: Susan and Bob Pratt, Collinsville; Scott Murphy, Edmond; grandchildren: Amy Pratt Green and J.B., of Greer, SC; Rebecca Pratt Shaw and Kevin, Cumming, GA; Kate Murphy, Dallas; Beau Murphy, Seattle; and Brett Murphy, Stillwater. She has five great grandchildren: Luke and Hayley Green, Greer, SC; Hannah and Ava Shaw, Cumming, GA; and Keagan Murphy, Oklahoma City. She is also survived by a brother, James Colpitt, Collinsville; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; son, Stephen; parents, Susan and Ray Colpitt; and brothers, Chester and Harold (Pug) Colpitt.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Collinsville Community Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 182, Collinsville, 74021; the Oklahoma State P.E.O. Projects Fund,Inc., c/o Tricia Bitsko, P.O. Box 153, Leonard, OK 74043-0153; or the GFWC Home Representative Club Scholarship Fund, c/o Jill Oliver, 424 S. 22nd, Collinsville, 74021.

Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Collinsville Community Church with Rev. Rick Brinkley, Rev. Hermon Wood and Dr. Bill Haynes officiating. Interment will follow at the Ridgelawn Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home. www.collinsvillefh.com