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Pamela Elizabeth Crawford Murphy, 59, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022, following a brave confrontation with small cell carcinoma. Pam’s last moments were spent in her Elizabethton, Tennessee home with her daughters and granddaughter by her side. Her legacy is that of a confident, audacious, and convicted woman. Whether Pam was your grandmother, sister, mother, daughter, or friend, she was a rare kind of person. With no hesitation or expectations in return, she kept her word — gave her all — and went the extra mile for those she cherished. Never knowing a stranger, Pam always made you feel welcome. And would do anything for a laugh! She was generous — even with our failings — creating safe spaces for us to both be kind to ourselves and see our mistakes with full and honest acceptance. Using all the little details that come with a gracious heart, Pam shared her authentic smile, hand in solidarity and support, and willingness to listen when you needed it the most.
She loved and is loved fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that Pamela is now with her son — at peace — surrounded by light
Pam came along as the first half of a pair on December 23, 1962 — followed by her fraternal twin, Patricia Lee McEwen. Though predeceased by her biological father, Lummie Edward Crawford Sr. (’42 – ’15), surviving her are six paternal half-siblings, including Edward Sr. and Johnny Crawford, and three paternal step-siblings, including Lori Walton. Around 1976, their little family — now made up of herself; twin sister, “Widi”; maternal half-siblings, Rhonda and Michael; loving mother, Alice Marie Robbins Yates; and devoted father, Henry Garmon Yates (’35 – ’08) — moved to the mountains of East Tennessee. Pamela soon met Jackie Glenn Murphy and married in January 1979. Together they raised four children: Jacqueline Nioma (Philip Oliver), Bradley Gray, Breanna Elizabeth (Thomas Combs), and Clark Glenn Murphy (’83 – ’90). Eventually, the couple separated but still effectively worked together to help raise their 15 grandchildren: Taylor Dawn, Lexie Paige and Aleena Kay Oliver; Yasmin Shyreek Treadway; Savion Tyrique Lytton; Cassius Bradley Neece; Jacqui “Jay” Combs; Holden Isaiah James and Haley Joe Miller; Bradley Austin Chandler and Jacob Glenn Hatley; Brevynn TeQuila and Chevy Ann Miller; Henry Greyson Walsh; Luca Dax Murphy; and Phoenix Gage Pleasant. Along with two great-grandchildren: Ryder Jaxon Elijah and Aspen Gage Miller.
A service to celebrate the life of Pamela Elizabeth Crawford Murphy will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home with Mr. David Frazier officiating. The family will receive friends between the hours of 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. prior to the service on Thursday. On behalf of our entire family, we are also incredibly grateful to longtime best friend, Penny Fenner, for the tenderness and patience she’s shown both us and Pam during this transition won’t ever be forgotten and other best friend, Tammy Stines and Family, for all their loving care and support during this difficult time. Online condolences may be shared with the family and viewed on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services are honored to serve the Murphy family. Office: (423) 543-5544.