Sarah C. Murphy

Celebrating the Life of Sarah Bertelle Clemons Murphy

Sarah Bertelle Clemons Murphy, age 97, a beloved matriarch, educator, and community pillar, passed away peacefully at 5:25 a.m. on August 10, 2026, in Springfield, Ohio, following an extended illness.

Sarah was born on November 1, 1928, in Anna, Ohio, to Helen Clemons. A shining star from an early age, she graduated as valedictorian of Anna High School. She continued her education at Central State University, where she earned a degree in education. Her intellectual curiosity, determination, and love of learning remained with her throughout her long and meaningful life.

Sarah enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years as a financial analyst in the Financial Department at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Her years of dedicated service reflected her strong work ethic, intelligence, dependability, and attention to detail. She took great pride in her career, which represented perseverance, independence, and a life built through hard work.

Sarah also proudly served as a Court Referee for the City of Dayton, Ohio. Her quick wit, sound judgment, integrity, and sense of fairness earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the people she served.

Above all else, Sarah was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Being surrounded by those she loved brought her tremendous joy. Whether celebrating a special occasion, gathering for a holiday, or simply enjoying an ordinary day together, Sarah treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family.

Sarah loved sports, particularly football and tennis. She especially enjoyed watching Venus and Serena Williams, whose remarkable talent, strength, determination, and fighting spirit she greatly admired. She was also a spirited member of her Dayton Bridge Club, where her vibrant personality and quick wit made every gathering memorable.

As an active and devoted member of New Hope Lutheran Church, Sarah generously shared her time, talents, and compassionate spirit in support of her church family and those in need. She believed deeply in the importance of community, service, and giving back.

Sarah’s family affectionately remembers her as a woman with a nurturing spirit who often served as “mother to the world.” Her boundless compassion, understanding, humor, and wisdom touched countless lives. Sarah belonged to a generation of women who worked hard, sacrificed greatly, and helped create better opportunities for those who came after them. Her courage and perseverance became part of the foundation upon which her family continues to stand.

Sarah leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children, Gisele Terrell, Jacquelyn Murphy Carr, and Michael Minkner; her granddaughters, Tammy Terrell, Dawn Cobb, Kyla Sheppard, Stacey Frenton, and Mariah Minkner; her great-grandchildren, Alanna, Kyren, Coltrane, and Daniel; her precious great-great-grandchild, Harmoney; and a host of extended family members, former coworkers, church family, bridge club companions, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Clemons; her sister, Anna Mae Clemons; and her devoted husband, Ernest Murphy Jr.

Although Sarah’s physical presence will be deeply missed, her love and influence will remain. Her legacy lives on through the strength of her children, the wisdom she shared, the lives she touched, and the generations who will continue to carry her story forward. She will forever be remembered for the way she lived—with strength, purpose, dignity, humor, integrity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff members of Hospice of Dayton and Brookdale Buck Creek in Springfield, Ohio, for the excellent care, compassion, and loving kindness shown to Sarah during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Sarah Murphy, who believed deeply in the power of community and giving back.

Her work is finished. Her love remains. Her story will continue through every life she touched.

To share a memory of Sarah or to leave a special message for her family, please sign the online guestbook provided.