Carolyn Sharp (Milford) Murphy

Francis Carolyn Murphy departed this earthly life on December 28, 2025 at her home of Adamsville Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Carolyn was born in the Gilchrist community on June 10, 1944 to the late Dennis and Jewell Milford. Carolyn was the fifth of six Milford children. A 1962 graduate of Adamsville High School, she worked many years in shirt factories and retiring from Ripley Industries in 2004.

Fall was her favorite time of the year. So much so that she and her husband, Buddy, took their family to the Great Smoky Mountains for numerous fall vacations to see the leaves change colors. She was a wonderful cook and loved to work in her garden. Most of the day she could be found sitting on her front porch drinking coffee with a cigarette in hand while watching her hummingbirds. She loved Southern gospel singing and music, and hearing the message preached. A member of her family church, Meeks Grove Freewill Baptist, she was active in service. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 55. Even after the stroke took her mind, she could recite scripture, sing hymns, and spout off recipes when asked.

In July of 2018, Carolyn’s health started failing her. She suffered a stroke, which resulted in her being moved into Adamsville Health and Rehab where she was greatly welcomed and loved by her new family. Carolyn was most definitely the “Queen” of the nursing home. She was quick witted and full of sass, and her family always held their breath because they didn’t know what was going to come out of her mouth when she spoke. While it humored everyone else Carolyn was bold, and everyone knew when she was present.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Sharp in 1978, as well as her husband Buddy Murphy, in 2015. Her siblings have all gone before her, sisters: Sandra Whitten and Worm Milford, brothers: Jerry Dan Milford, Rex Milford, and Ray Milford as well as a sister-in-laws Betty Milford and Helen Milford  

She leaves behind her children, Mike Sharp, wife Carrie, and Wendy Rickman. Her grandchildren, Clint Rickman, wife Baylie, Raegan Matlock, husband Ty. Also, her great-
grandson, Rhett Matlock. Also left behind is her brother-in-law, Jerry Whitten and sister-in law Shirley Milford. Along with a host of extended nieces and nephews.

While we will miss her bold and honest words, her loving heart, and unmistakable presence, we rejoice knowing she is now whole, healed, and rejoicing in the presence of her Savior.

Carolyn’s family would like to say a special thank you for the care and kindness over the last 7 1/2 years to the staff of Adamsville Healthcare, with special thanks to her “kids” there; Margie, Dee, Harley, Rachael, Zach, Wesley, Jacinda and Diane. Thank you for loving her.

Funeral Services are 2 pm on Tuesday Dec 30th at Meeks Grove Freewill Baptist Church located on Tommy Sanders Road, Stantonville   Burial will follow in Meeks Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 noon until service time.

Our family at Associated are very honored and thankful to have been chosen to serve Carolyn’s family in their time of need.  

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