Geneva Pearl Murphy-Clayton

Geneva Pearl Murphy-Clayton, daughter of the late William Berkeley Murphy, Sr. and Elsie Lee Childress Murphy, was born in Switchback, West Virginia on March 25, 1942. Geneva transitioned peacefully on January 29, 2022 at her home in Columbus, Ohio. Geneva was the youngest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Keith Murphy, her husband, Charles “Pete” Clayton, her brothers, Robert Murphy, William Murphy, Jr., and Edward Murphy, and sisters, Anna Mae Woods, Ossie Lee Mason, and Louise Murphy. Geneva leaves to cherish her memory four grandchildren: Thomas Bailey, Quentin Watson, Alexandra Murphy, Laycee Murphy; eight great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, The Mack Families, long-time and loving neighbors, and fabulous friends. Geneva’s childhood was spent in Switchback, West Virginia, where she attended McDowell County Schools. In her early teens, Geneva moved to Columbus, Ohio and later attended South High School. Geneva loved working at Lucent Technologies, Inc. (Western Electric/AT&T) and retired with 26 years of service. She would often tell endless stories of her great times working there. After her retirement, she worked as a Columbus City Schools bus driver for several years. With over 60 years of faithful service, Geneva was a proud member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. As a long-time member of the Ebenezer Mass Choir, Geneva did not like to miss a practice or Sunday service. She cherished her choir family dearly! Geneva also served for many years in the Ebenezer Nurses Core and provided first aid for the church ministry, always with a caring triumphant smile. Geneva’s pride was her family and she looked forward to the Mack/Murphy Reunion every year; she often wore her reunion t-shirts proudly. Geneva loved to spend her days talking to her friends and family, weekend gatherings, pearls, church hats and attire, latest Honda vehicle, and especially cherished watching her soap operas (“stories”) with no disturbance weekdays between noon and 2:00 p.m. We love you, Geneva. You will be missed!