Jacqueline Murphy, “Miss Jackie,” passed away at her home on Friday night, Sept. 16, 2016, at the age of 83.

She was born in Sissonville, W. Va., raised in Mt. Sterling, Ky., and resided in Sun for the last 50 years. After graduation from the University of Kentucky, she was a devoted educator working in public and private schools in four states, before her retirement in 2015. She was an accomplished pianist and musical director, affiliated with several area churches.

Beginning in college, she performed as a vocalist with different groups. Her first local area group was The Sun Trio, which formed in the late 1960s. The three women were requested at gospel events and singings during the 1960s and 1970s. She taught music lessons for years, and enjoyed performing with Joyce Lejeune. A truly strong Southern lady, fighting to the end, she defied all odds and surprised all medical professionals, living 16 months after an epic heart attack and two hospitalizations for life-threatening infections.

She rallied for her family, proving that love in the heart, the will to live, and faith in God conquers all. She will be remembered for the love she had for all children, her willingness to help all, and her spunky spirit.

She was the devoted mother of Cindy Murphy, Julie Young and Rollenda Young; sister of the late Joan Amburgey; loving grandmother of Amy, Kerri, Coty, and the late Crystal; great-grandmother of Shane, Gage, Jacob, Mathew, Lucas and Aubrey; aunt of Jeff, Marc, and Poochie Amburgey.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Sun First Baptist Church located on Highway 16 at 6 p.m. Visitation is at 4 p.m. Interment will follow at the Sun First Baptist Church Cemetery.