Devora Ann (Brown) Murchison

Ms. Devora Ann Brown Murchison, age 83, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her residence.

The Obituary 

Devora Ann Brown Murchison was born on May 2, 1942, in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late Robert Elbert Brown and Mother Annie Louise Brown. She was the eldest of eight children.

Devora graduated from W.B. Wicker High School in 1959. Soon after, she moved to Brooklyn, New York. Later she relocated to Newark, New Jersey and attended Brookstone College to study business. With her education, Devora went on to work in many professional roles, serving for decades as a secretary and administrative assistant.

In the late 1970s, Devora returned home to North Carolina, where she began working in the undergraduate admissions office at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her professional journey also took her to Atlanta, Georgia, where she worked as an administrative assistant at Georgia Tech for 10 years. Eventually, she returned to North Carolina and rejoined UNC Chapel Hill, dedicating many years of service to the School of Law, where she eventually retired. Devora dedicated herself to helping students begin their journeys in higher education.  Her compassion, dedication, and encouragement left a lasting impact on many lives. After retirement, she continued her commitment to serving others by working as a receptionist at Central Carolina Hospital.

Upon her return to North Carolina, she was joyfully reunited with the love of her life, the late David Cornelius Murchison. Devora and David were united in marriage in 1996 and shared 27 beautiful years together.

A woman of deep faith, Devora was a lifelong member of Star of Hope OFWB Church. She served faithfully in many capacities, including the Usher Board and as Church Secretary. In addition, she once served as the secretary of the Women's Home Mission of the Original Cape Fear Southwestern Freewill Baptist Annual Conference.  She also cherished her work with the Conference and held it close to her heart.

Devora lived her life with grace, style and a zest for living. She was a loyal UNC Chapel Hill basketball fan, an avid shopper, and a woman with a keen eye for fashion. Her family and friends will forever remember her favorite words of encouragement: “Get it, girl-you only live one time.”

Devora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Cornelius Murchison; her father, Robert Elbert Brown; her brother, Elbert Laverne Brown; and her sister, Roberta Brown Richmond.

She leaves to cherish and honor her memory, her loving daughter, Phaedra Welton; along with Sherri Murchison-Green (Darryl), and Deborah Murchison; her mother, Annie Louise Brown; her siblings, Harrison Brown, Glenda Walker (Thomas), Donna “Kay” Brown, Maggie “Sissy” Garrett, and Beverly McGilveary (Thomas); her grandchildren, Aaron Welton, Trey’Je Buchanon, Brandon Hobbs (Anitra), Brittany Hobbs, Jasmine Green; her great-grandchildren, Jayden Omari Welton, Paris Amaya Welton, Ke’Mari Ace Welton, Serenity Hobbs, Brielle Hobbs, Ariah Hobbs, Caylee Hobbs, and Zayden Hobbs. She also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will continue to honor and treasure her legacy.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC