Margaret Ellen Murphy of Leesburg, FL passed away January 24, 2026. Ellen was born in Washington DC, August 4, 1943, to Mary and Elmer “Blacky” Charles Blackburn. She grew up in Minneola, Fl and graduated from Clermont High School in 1961. After some time in school at Florida Southern College she married Paul York. They raised their family in Windermere, FL. She worked as a dental hygienist and began a 37 year career in real estate. She started her own real estate business. She married Jimmy (Jim) Ray Murphy, November 17,1995 and enjoyed 30 wonderful years of love, yard sales and antiquing.

Ellen was a smart, witty and creative person who enjoyed deep, long-lasting friendships. She loved Jim’s musical talent, she enjoyed her little dogs and she cherished her family. She was beautiful inside and out.

She is survived by her husband Jim Murphy, brother Charles Blackburn, son Shawn York, daughter Angie York Everest (Bob), Lydia Dilday (Rodney) and Jimmy Murphy (Paige) Grandchildren Emily, Rebekah, Julia and Joshua Everest, Kaylee Boyd, Donald James “DJ” York, Ashley Moore, Justin Dilday, Hannah Dilday, Angelina Dilday, Bella Dilday and great grandson, Landon Dilday.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Blackburn

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Altoona, 42226 State Rd 19, Altoona, FL, on January 29, 2026 at 11:00am.