Elinor Louise Murphy

Elinor Louise Gee Murphy was the second of two children born to the late Ossarew and Cassie Gee. Born October 27, 1922 in Baltimore, Maryland, she departed this life February 15, 2011 after a brief illness. Educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools, Louise graduated from Frederick Douglas Senior High School and matriculated to the then Coppin State Teachers’ College, where she received a B. A. in 1944. Educated in an era where students of color were prevented from attending the University of Maryland, she, like many of her peers, traveled to other states to pursue an advanced degree at the expense of the State of Maryland. Louise received a master’s degree in education from New York University in 1946. She later received an advanced certificate in administration and supervision from The Johns Hopkins University. Louise received her early Christian education from Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was a life-long member. She taught Sunday school, was Guild member, a Chalicist and a Lay Eucharistic Minister. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Saint James and raised her family there. She began teaching in the Baltimore City Public Schools in 1944. Over the next four decades, Louise would serve as a classroom teacher, specialist, vice principal, and principal. It is significant to note that she was the first African American principal of P.S. #13. After 44 years of dedicated service to the children of Baltimore, Louise retired from the school system in 1988. In 1949, Louise married A. Myles Robinson. From this union, one child was born. Although this marriage ended in divorce, Louise and Myles were committed parents and grandparents, remaining friends until her death. In 1971, Louise married Howard H. Murphy. They happily spent the next eight years traveling the world and exploring the political arena which would become her next frontier. Howard died suddenly in August of 1979. Louise’s interest in politics began in earnest in 1972, when she attended the National Democratic Convention as a delegate for Shirley Chisholm. Louise was elected to the Democratic State Central Committee and was subsequently selected to replace Maryland State Senator John Carroll Byrnes in 1982 when he was appointed to the Circuit Court. This selection made her the second African American female senator in the Maryland State Legislature. Committed to public service, Louise served her community faithfully. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Morgan Christian Center and the Arena Playhouse. She was the Past President of the Morgan Park Community Association and the Baltimore City Retired Teachers Association. In 1999, she was appointed to the Maryland Aviation Commission, serving two terms. For more than 65 years, she was a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was also a member of the Alpha Wives, the Chipparettes, and the Tuesday Night Bridge Club. Louise had two hobbies – traveling and reading. She began traveling as a child with her father on the B & O Railroad. She took her first cruise in 1963 and upon her death had visited more than 20 countries on 5 continents. Louise loved to read. She was well-known to the staff at her local public library. She visited the library at least twice a week, in search of the latest romance and mystery novels. Family was extremely important to Louise. She adored her only child and her two grandsons. She could always be found at every school play, recital, science fair, and graduation, arriving early to get a front row seat so she could document every moment in the lives of Stephen and Stanford. She was supportive of their endeavors in every way. She was extremely excited at the birth of her great-grandchild Alexandra and the wedding of her grandson Stephen. Her life was full and she lived life to the fullest. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Sharon; grandsons Stephen (Audrey) and Stanford; great-grandchildren Isabella and Alexandra; her Morgan Park family, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Elinor Louise Murphy

October 27, 1922 - February 15, 2011