Claudia Merle Murphy

Claudia Merle Watkins Murphy, 97, of Elgin, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026 in Elgin. She was born on December 30, 1928, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Claude Monroe Watkins and Susan Kate Patman Watkins.

Claudia married the love of her life, Melvin Lee Murphy, on June 23, 1951, in Hughes Springs, Texas. She pursued her passion for education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce. Dedicated to teaching and nurturing young minds, Claudia served as a school teacher for a total of 34 years. She taught Homemaking for one year in New Diana, then four years in Pflugerville, before spending the next 29 years as a cherished third-grade teacher at Elgin Elementary. She touched countless lives through her patience, kindness, and commitment to her students.

Beyond the classroom, Claudia enjoyed a full and creative life. She loved traveling, sewing, crocheting, and crafting, and she shared her talents generously with others. She was actively involved in several service organizations, including Family and Community Education, Red Hats, and served proudly as a Boy Scout Den Mother, always giving her time and heart to her community and family.

Claudia is survived by her loving family: Her son Robert and his wife Christy of Crawford; granddaughter Dr. Sarah Johle and great-grandsons Wyatt and Olsen of Hutto; grandson Dr. Lee Murphy and wife Alicia and great-granddaughters Cozette, Byrdie, and Lynora of Crawford. Her daughter-in-law Barb Murphy; granddaughter Kearstyn of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; grandson Kolby and wife Amber and great-grandson Jameson of El Reno, Oklahoma. Grandson Michael Nelson and wife Stacey; great-grandsons Ryan and Troy of Franklin; and great-granddaughter Shelby of Waco.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin Murphy, and her son, W.C. Murphy.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., at Providence-Jones Funeral Home in Elgin. Interment to follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Claudia will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to family and students, and the love she poured into every part of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and faith that will continue to live on in all who knew her.