Rosa Imogene Hill

Early Lives & Separate Paths

Rosa Imogene Hill, the oldest daughter of Wilbert and Mayzell Boykin Hill, was born on August 9, 1936, in Johnston County, North Carolina. She grew up as part of a large, bustling household alongside her eight siblings: Marvelene, William Janell, Kay, Sandra, Elizabeth, Linda Lorraine, Sharon Teresa, and Debra Ann Hill.

Just two months later, Benny Ivan Murphy was born on October 12, 1936, in Alamance County, North Carolina, to Frank and Annie Murphy. Like Imogene, Benny grew up in a large family, sharing his childhood with seven siblings: Mildred, Maydell, Ruby, Juanita, Edwin, Pete, and Ted. Benny spent his youth in Alamance County, graduating from Mebane High School before furthering his education at Burlington Business College.

As a young man, Benny proudly answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served on active duty from 1955 to 1957, a period of service that concluded just as he was preparing to embark on a new chapter of family life.

A Union in Guilford County

Imogene and Benny's paths crossed in the mid-1950s. At the time, Imogene was living in Gibsonville, just outside of Burlington, and Benny was residing in Mebane. The young couple was united in marriage on September 20, 1957, in Gilmer in Guilford County—Imogene was 21, and Benny was 20. They were wed by the Reverend F.E. Davis, a Baptist minister, with Mrs. Woodrow Murphy, Clyde Sellars Jr., and Helen Davis standing as witnesses to the start of their lifelong journey together.

Military Service and Career

Following their wedding, Benny continued his commitment to military service by joining the National Guard, serving from 1958 to 1962. He remained a dedicated, active member of the VFW throughout his life.

To support his growing family, Benny embarked on a distinguished 24-year career at Holt Manufacturing. His reliability and strong work ethic made him a respected figure in the local manufacturing community, while Imogene focused her warmth and energy on creating a nurturing home.

Family Life and Devotion

Benny and Imogene built a loving household, raising three children: Tim, Benny “Snook,” and Pamela. Over the years, their family circle blossomed to include twelve grandchildren: Christy, Alan, Matthew, Kimberly, Corey, Aaron, and Breanna, along with step-grandchildren Brandon, Whitney, Dustin, Tanner, and Michael.

The family faced a devastating loss on June 18, 2019, when their 24-year-old grandson, Aaron Brian Grizzle, passed away. The son of Pamela, Aaron was a kind-hearted mechanic at Graham Marine who loved hunting, fishing, working on cars, and playing the drums at The Lamb's Chapel. His loss was deeply felt by Imogene and Benny, who held their family even closer in their later years.

Outside of their devotion to their family, Imogene and Benny shared a love for simple pleasures. Both were avid anglers who loved taking trips together to the North Carolina coast to cast their lines and walk the beaches. Benny also dedicated his time to his faith as a member of Mebane Presbyterian Church.

Resting Together & Legacy

After a beautiful life dedicated to her husband and children, Rosa Imogene Hill Murphy passed away at the age of 83 on March 16, 2020, in Mebane, North Carolina. She was laid to rest in Mebane's Oakwood Cemetery.

Benny survived his beloved wife by two years, continuing to live in the community they loved until his own passing on October 28, 2022, at the age of 86. He was laid to rest beside Imogene in Oakwood Cemetery, honored with full military rites for his years of service to his country.

The legacy of love, hard work, and family they built endured through their children. Tragically, just a few years after his parents' passings, their eldest son, Timothy “Tim” Neal Murphy, passed away at his home in Graham, North Carolina, on April 26, 2026, at the age of 67. He lies in the warm shadow of the enduring family devotion and faith his parents handed down to him.