Mary "Gwe Gwe" Geneva Murphy

Mary “Gwe Gwe” Geneva Murphy, 95, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026.

She was born on April 16, 1931 to the late Claude Crawford and Eddie Bradley Crawford and was lovingly raised by her Uncle Ted and Aunt Frances Crawford.

In addition to her late parents, aunt, and uncle, she was proceeded in death by her sisters, Genevieve Elizabeth White and Frances Louise Lamb, and her brothers, Claude Cecil Crawford and James Henry Crawford.

Mary is survived by her children, Linda Rae Eichhorn (Richard), Mark Anderson Murphy (Deborah) and Robert Michael Murphy (Faith), her treasured granddaughter, who proudly held the title of her favorite person, Jordan Murphy De Losa (Michael), siblings Dorothy May Dowdy, Martha Marie Milliron, Shirley Ann Churchill (James), Sylvia Kathryn Brisendine (Stan), Hattie Marie Saul, and William Edward Crawford (Janice), and Rita Farmer, whose devoted presence in her life grew into a deep and lasting friendship.

Mary attended Andrew Lewis High School and went on to become a respected manager of both Motherhood and Roanoke Record Shop, where her style, dedication, and genuine love of people built lasting relationships in her community—earning the trust and friendship of many, including the wives of Washington Redskins players whom she so enjoyed helping. At the record shop, she especially delighted in meeting visiting musicians, sharing her love of music with all who came through the door. She later ran a successful daycare from her home, where her warmth and gentle spirit touched the lives of many families.

A celebration of life will be held from 6:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia.

Interment will be private.