Mary Irene Murph

Mary Irene Short Murph, 77, Kingsport, began her new life in Heaven Wednesday, February 25, 2009.

She was a devoted Christian who loved to read her Bible. Irene was an avid bowler and bingo player, but the greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Murph; two sons, Butch and Greg; a twin sister, Eileen Lockwood; and two brothers, Fred and Frank Short.

Surviving are one daughter, Teresa Bright and husband Scott of Church Hill; one son, Tim Murph and wife Beth of Honolulu, Hawaii; six grandchildren, Holly Hinen and husband Richard, Andrew Samples, Rachel Bright, Sarah Kanoa and husband Manly, Rebecca Murph, Jordan Murph; six great-grandchildren, Allie, Riley, and Wade Hinen, and Emma, Gracie, and Judah Kanoa; one sister, Patty Baird of Toledo, Ohio; a special sister-in-law, Ruby Short; one niece; and one nephew.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor George Harold Churchwell officiating. Burial will follow at Depews Chapel Cemetery. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee, 4450 Walker Boulevard, Suite #2, Knoxville, TN 37917.