Joetta Lee Murphy

Joetta Lee Ellen Murphy, 92, of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025.

Born May 11, 1933, in Decatur, IL, Joetta was the beloved daughter of the late Oral “Buck” and Velma “Betty” (Sanders) Curran. She grew up in Kentland IN and graduated from A.J. Kent High School in 1952.

Following graduation, Joetta began a career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines and Flying Tigers. Her work took her across the country and abroad, with assignments based out of Chicago Midway, San Francisco, Miami, and Shannon, Ireland. Joetta also was a co-owner of BJ's Hang Up, a decorating studio, in Washington Crossing, PA in the late 1970s.

On August 15, 1959, Joetta married the love of her life, Richard “Joe” Murphy, who preceded her in death. Together, they raised a loving family in Washington Crossing PA, and later, she followed Joe to Chicago, and Tucson AZ, before retiring in Conyers GA for 30 years.

In 2021 Joetta moved to Seabrook Senior Living in Tinton Falls NJ, where she lived independently up until her final days.

She is survived by her children: Timothy (Terri), Thomas (Lucy), and Meggan (Sean). Joetta was a proud grandmother to Taylor, Erin Towell (Cameron), Colin White (Mari Grace), and Lawson, her dog JJ, and a delighted great-grandmother to Henry Murphy Towell. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Carl Curran (Suzy).

Joetta was a woman of many passions, including reading and collecting books, caring for animals, long walks with dogs, swimming, and most of all, time spent with family and friends.

Joetta will be laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery in Kentland, IN on Monday, September 8th. A graveside ceremony will be held at the Cemetery on September 8th at 12pm.