Annette Lynn Murphy

Annette Lynn Murphy, age 79, died suddenly March 25, 2020, after complications from an auto accident Thursday March 19th. Annette was born April 6, 1940 in Sullivan, Indiana the daughter of the late Harold Edgar Allen and the late Kathryn Elizabeth (nee: Dugger) Allen.

In her early years Annette was raised between Indian and Detroit, Michigan. Her father was a traveling national salesman for Allen Photographic which led to many days either away from his family and sometimes bringing Annette along for the ride.

Being only "5 foot nothing", Annette was a spitfire and a force to be reckoned with. During her youth she spent time living with her sister in the Lutheran Home for Youths and the Aged. While living in the Lutheran Home, Annette enjoyed the structure and the education provided. She and her sister would travel by bus on Sundays to spend time with their uncle and aunt to eat Sunday dinner then return to the facility while their father spent time working out of state.

Annette also was raised on Detroit's eastside, primarily on Philip Street. The street became a home in her youth and later as she raised her own children. She reminisced how she attended Guyton Elementary, as well as her own children attending the same school. Annette could not believe the same school teachers that taught herself taught her children. It was a wonderful tight knit neighborhood where Annette and her first husband Bill had many friends.

While in her teens and early twenties, Annette worked for her Uncle and Father at Allen Photographic, later she worked for the Census Bureau, all the while raising her four children as a single mother. As time passed Annette worked for Worick Spring Company a job that led to her chance meeting with her current husband Don Murphy. Being a very hard worker, Annette moved on to TRW in Romeo and later to Charvat the Florist in Grosse Pointe... a job she enjoyed very much, until retiring.

Because of Annette's lifelong work ethic she could not sit at home and do nothing. So at age 70 found another job to help people in their time of need, working as a planning director for Cremation Source in Fraser. Annette held a unique gift to help others planning cremations for their loved ones. She cherished her job and the families she served cherished Annette. She could be a very direct person, but also be completely compassionate and empathetic. Annette was always punctual to work and never missed a day of work in the past eight years. She will be remembered by her co-workers for her multi-colored "Post-it-Notes" cluttered all over her desk.

Among Annette's greatest achievements was taking a small engine repair class alongside her husband Don. This class led to Annette achieving enough credits to officially graduate high school, rewarding her with a much deserved diploma and gown from L'Anse Creuse Public Schools. Annette was also a lifetime devoted fan of motorsports and primarily Indy and NASCAR, she and Don were season ticket holders to the Indianapolis 500 for over 20 years and also attended many NASCAR races. She loved her Jeffie Gordon and the 24 car. As her sons became older they too shared in their mother's love of motorsports and wrenching. Annette took delight in her sons accomplishments at the yearly Autorama in Detroit and also her son Tommy achieving the over 200 mph certification. Her entire life she was fascinated by fast cars and enjoyed traveling to the Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Over the years Annette and Don established many close friendships by way of the Roseville Masonic Lodge & Scottish Rite Freemasonry, motorsports, motorcycling, traveling, or just visiting their favorite restaurants. Annette and Don traveled to Hawaii, England, and cherished her favorite trip with Dean and Bonnie Hutton to Alaska.

Annette was truly a "one of kind" gal and as her grandson stated, "Grammy had an obsession for Koala Bears and Longaberger baskets... She was a no nonsense woman with a killer dumpling recipe. She was the kind of rebel who would deface a 2 dollar bill in the name of love for her grandchildren." Also noted she would fiercely defend every member of her family with all her might and power. Many things may be said be let everyone know she loved everyone of you with all her heart. God bless her!

Annette was the beloved wife of Donald Lee Murphy, and the dearest mother of Susan Owens, Cindy Scott, William "Billy" (Glenda) Owens, Thomas "Tommy" Owens, and step-mother of Amy Murphy. She was the loving Grammy to Garrett (Shelia), Brenden, Collin (Tina), Ashley (Anthony), Angela, Briana, and David. Great Grammy of Caden, Ryder, Aryana, Rece, and Alice. Cherished sister of Pam Incammicia, and Aunt of Nino (Rochelle), and Michael.

A celebration of life service for Annette will be held at a later date. Please share your memories of Annette at her memory book above or see photos at https://www.temrowski.com/gallery/annette-murphy