Beth Baker Murphy

Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Baker Murphy of West Columbia passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Beth was born on September 26, 1955, in Columbia, SC to Rufus Laverne Baker and Thelma Robinson Baker.

Beth was raised in Columbia with her three brothers, Tommy, Bobby, and Mike, and two sisters, Harriet, and Susie, all of whom she loved dearly and spoke of almost daily.

Beth and her husband opened and ran their own business, Murphy’s Produce, for many years. They first opened in Lugoff, SC and then later moved the business closer to their home in West Columbia, SC. They did this with the help of their son, Clay, before closing their business in 2006.

Beth was an incredible Nan to her two grandsons, Trevor and Chace. She was always there to keep them out of daycare when they were small, cook their favorite meals, let them watch Jerry Springer (yep, Jerry Springer), and was affectionately called “Nanaclaus” at Christmas time because she wanted them to “have a lot to open”.

As a momma, she taught how to love unconditionally and give unselfishly. She instilled the values of love, family, loyalty, and perseverance into Carla and Clay.

To say she had a harder life than what seemed fair, especially in the last few years, and most recently in the last few months, is an understatement. She fought many battles and faced many challenges with dignity, grace, strength, and resilience. She was truly stronger than she ever knew.

Beth recently lost her husband of 52 years, Johnny, on March 30, 2024. She is survived by her daughter, Carla Bond (Terry), son, Clay Murphy, grandsons Trevor Bond and Chace Bond. She is also survived by her brother Mike Baker (Ruth), and brother-in-law George Rye, sister-in-law Sue Howell (Dedrick), sister-in law Rhonda, brother-in-law Michael Murphy (Karen), and sister-in-law Barbara Baker Shugerts, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, Tommy Baker, Bobby Baker, Harriet Wood, and Susie Rye, sisters-in-law Rita Murphy, Janice Murphy, Kathy Murphy, and brother-in-law Troy Wood.

The visitation will be at Moseley Funeral Home in West Columbia on Saturday, July 13th from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, followed immediately by a graveside service at Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia, SC.