Reba Barker Murphey

Reba Barker Murphey was born the fourth of ten children to Robert P. and Elma (Sullivan) Barker and raised on a farm in Mississippi, experiencing joys and hardships which shaped her life and created a lasting passion for thriftiness and hard work. After graduating from Delta State Teachers College, she taught biology and home economics in Port Arthur, TX, before marrying and raising a family. Reba always put her best effort into everything she did, including raising five children. She sewed their clothes, cooked great meals, and supported them in their academics, interests, and hobbies, always with high expectations for their success. Following a move to Wappingers Falls, NY, Reba became interested in the historical significance of the area and volunteered with the DAR at the Madame Brett Homestead. Her love of family and history led to a lifelong hobby in genealogy as she researched her roots and assisted others in doing the same.

After 21 years in New York, Reba and her family moved back to SE Texas in 1979, living in Vidor, where Reba put her many talents to work volunteering with the DAR, the First Presbyterian Church of Vidor, and other organizations. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, antiquing, bird watching, and restoring furniture. At an age where many people are retiring, she was just getting started. Patriotic and civic-minded, she became a Professional R e g i s t e r e d Parliamentarian. Through the National Association of Parliamentarians she selflessly donated her time and knowledge by mentoring future parliamentarians and civic leaders, providing workshops, and attending state and national conferences. In 2019 she was hon ored by the NAP for over 30 years of service to the local, state, and national organizations.

Reba was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Luckan Murphey; a son, Albert Michael Murphey; three brothers; and four sisters. She is survived by her children, Marilyn White (Will), Marcia Macdonald (Greg), Margaret Harvey (Pill Briggs), and Melissa Maedgen (Moe LaForrest); sister Mary Frances Taylor; brother Walter Barker; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Reba died on July 5, 2022 in Silsbee, Texas, just 15 days shy of her 98th birthday. A graveside service will be held in Dentville, Mississippi. If you would like to share your memories of Reba with her family, please send them to marciamm7@gmail. com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Vidor, P.O. Box 516, Vidor, TX 77670 or the Beaumont Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians, 7 Sandelwood Trail, Beaumont, TX 77706.