Janet Sterling Murphree

Janet Sterling Murphree, 98, of Tryon, NC, passed away on August 30, 2026.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at The Sanctuary, 170 River Creek Lane, Swansboro, NC with Pastor Wesley Holmes officiating.

Janet was born in Philadelphia, PA, on October 1, 1927, to Theodore Weld Sterling and Marion Bridge Sterling. She grew up with her four siblings at Lookaway Farm in Bucks County, PA. In those years she was surrounded by loving friends, pets, and various farm animals.

Janet graduated from the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. and later graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Janet married the love of her life, the late Colonel Thomas E. Murphree, USMC, on June 7, 1947, the day of his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. Janet and Tom spent the next 27 years raising their family while serving at various duty stations around the world. They later enjoyed their retirement years on Bogue Sound.

In her free time, Janet enjoyed painting with oils and watercolors. She kept an active life and was a faithful Episcopalian. Janet was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed fine cuisine, but would never turn down a good chili dog.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, husband of over 71 years, and her siblings, “Bunny” Sterling, John Sterling, Sally Swanson and Helen Montgomery.

She is survived by her sons, Theodore Murphree of Stafford, VA, Thomas Murphree III of Strasburg, VA, and Timothy Murphree (Brandy) of Tryon, NC; three grandchildren, Jay Sterling Murphree (Katharine), Thomas Joel Murphree (Ruth), and Amy Lynn Murphree; three great-grandchildren, Kylie Murphree Frank (Daniel), Karah Elizabeth Murphree and Thomas Jaxon Murphree. Janet is also survived by her great-great-grandchildren, Knox Murphree Frank and Rowan Jane Frank.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.