Dora Lydia Murphy

Lydia Murphy, 79, a long-time resident of Lakeland, passed away on November 9, 2020 and leaves behind a large and loving family. She will be missed by her two brothers and their wives, Chuck and Kaye LeGrow, Robert and Sharon LeGrow, and their families, Lydia’s niece, Karrie and nephews, Eric and Kyle, to whom she was lovingly known as Aunt D.L. 

She will be forever missed by her two devoted daughters, Betty Ray and Lisa Bovee as well as Betty’s husband, Joe Ray and their daughter Brianna, who adored her grandma. 

Lydia was sadly preceded in death by her only grandson, Conner but she is survived by his sisters, Korrie and Kristyn as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Emmalyn, Sagan, and Zelda. 

Lydia spent her personal life devoted to her family and also having a little fun for herself. Over the years, she enjoyed bowling with her recreation league, cooking for her family, taxiing kids around, and attending school functions. Lydia was also a fixture within the Miss Lakeland Softball League, being involved for nearly 20 years in one aspect or another, from Team Mom to League President, during Betty and Lisa’s days on the field. 

Her professional life was spent in service of others. Not long after graduating college, Lydia began working for The State of Florida (DCF) and held various positions of service, the last of which was within Home Daycare Licensing. She loved helping others and meeting new people. She enjoyed her work, and she made many friends throughout her more than five decades of service. She also made a positive impact on all with whom she came in contact, and for that, she will be fondly remembered by so many.

Her most loved activities were family gatherings, cooking for her family, watching NCIS, The Price is Right, and Let’s Make a Deal! She also loved cruiseliner vacations, going to the beach, and attending Brianna’s volleyball games. Everyone knew Lydia as The #1 fan. 

One word to describe Lydia would be selfless. She consistently gave to others without hesitation or a thought of how it might affect her. Selfless. A trait she undoubtedly inherited from her own mother. 

Lydia will be remembered for her supportive and loving ways, her irresistible lasagna and famous potato salad! She’ll also be remembered for being a compassionate and cherished sister, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, grandmother, and friend. 

May she rest in peace and may tender memories of her soften our grief.

Services will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home on Saturday November 28, 2020. Dora's family will receive friends from 9-10 AM, memorial service will begin at 10 AM.


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