A photo of Phyllis taken during the holiday season.
“Memories are the treasures that we keep locked deep within the storehouse of our souls, to keep our hearts warm when we are lonely.” This quote from Becky Aligada expresses a profound truth that came to mind recently. I had been thinking about my late sister-in-law, Phyllis (Warren) Murdock, who had been a part of The Way Corps, a ministry leadership program of The Way International. While visiting the website for past Way Corps members, I was looking at the In Memoriam section dedicated to some of the former members who have fallen asleep in Christ, and I failed to see an entry for my dear friend and family member, Phyllis, who passed away in 1990. I decided to pay tribute to Phyllis, who was a member of the 10th Way Corps and to post it as a blog.
Phyllis Jean Warren was born January 20, 1951 in Kistler, West Virginia, and later her family moved to Hamilton, Ohio where she graduated from Garfield High School. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age and devoted her life to Christian service. Those who were privileged to know Phyllis will recall her passion for life and her zeal for God and His people. In fulfilling her call to serve, she ministered in Ohio, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Georgia, and elsewhere while affiliated with The Way International.
On June 17, 1984 she was joined in marriage to Staff Sergeant Duane Murdock, originally from Baltimore, Maryland. Shortly after their marriage, Phyllis and Duane lived in Bicester, England, where Duane was stationed in the Air Force, and they were a part of The Way of Great Britain. On September 22, 1990 Phyllis passed away following a brief illness, and she now awaits the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As a member of the 10th Way Corps, Phyllis also sang with Way Productions musical group “Limitless Love” and was featured on a number of songs, including “This Is Not the Time” and the ever-popular “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” Thanks to Michael Kasiak, Phyllis’s 10th Corps brother, here are recordings of these songs rendered in her own inimitable style.
Without question, there are times when words seem inadequate to express the depths of sorrow and sense of loss that come with the passing of someone who is close to us. Many times during such moments I think of the lyrics to a song by Babbie Mason, and they express my sentiments during those difficult times. May all those who have experienced the loss of a friend or family member, such as Phyllis, be strengthened and encouraged by the words of “Trust His Heart,” a song popularized by Babbie Mason, a contemporary Christian artist:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Phyllis radiated beauty from the inside out.
Phyllis and Duane Murdock
Phyllis and Duane celebrate with Lonnell
Dr. J's Apothecary Shoppe 
June 22, 2013 at 7:28 pm |
At times in life, I often find myself singing “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow”, and I always sing it Phyllis style, out loud or in my mind. Her version and heartfelt voice just stuck in my heart. Can you believe someone can sing a song, and impact another throughout their life? Phyllis did.
June 22, 2013 at 11:03 pm |
Michael,
Thanks for stopping by the “shoppe” and taking a look and giving a listen to the tribute to our beloved sister, Phyllis. Yes, you are so right. She took that song and made it her own, singing it in her own inimitable fashion. She touched so many lives with her music and the sweet melody of her life. The jazz classic expresses a profound truth regarding Phyllis and her life of service: “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on. . . ”
Thank you also for supplying the recordings of two of the songs that Phyllis sang so magnificently.
May 6, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Hello, I discovered this memoriam of Phyllis while searching for an Air Force Basic Training squad member. Phyllis was a beautiful person inside and out from what I read above. Its such a painful loss but comforting, knowing they were saved. I would like to ask you if Duane was in Basic Training in Feb of 1976. I am trying to locate the members of our class and these pictures of Duane look somewhat like the person I remember from Basic. Thank you so much for any help you can provide. Don Brown 828-553-1869
May 22, 2014 at 11:41 am |
[…] meaningful because it was a song that my late sister-in-law, Phyllis Warren Murdock sang. Click here to access a blog entry that pays tribute to Phyllis and offers a recording of the song that she […]
June 18, 2022 at 1:36 pm |
God Bless!
What a wonderful blessing to read about my beautiful sister in Christ, Phyliss and to hear that beautiful voice.
I didn’t have the the opportunity of meeting her but I’ve heard her name for over 20 years. I have been blessed to review many of her study materials, including books, guides, and with her personal notes. She was an impeccable note taker. I had access to these items through my late husband, Duane M. Murdock, Sr. She’s is still ministering!
Duane would often play that version of “I Don’t Know Who Holds Tomorrow”, but now I understand that besides the truth and accuracy of the song’s words, it was likely a musical remembrance of Phyliss.
I wanted to let those who knew Phyllis and Duane, that Duane, Sr. fell asleep two weeks ago -June 3rd, 2022. I too would like to thank God for Phyliss whom I know Duane loved dearly, and whom I know Duane’s life was enriched daily by her knowledge and love for God… and now, is mine and our son’s.
God bless.
June 19, 2022 at 6:45 pm |
Thanks so much for your gracious comments. They meant more to our family than you will ever know. While we are saddened by the news of Duane’s passing we receive encouragement and strength that we will see him when the Lord Jesus Christ return. May your son and you be comforted with wonderful memories that will sustain you in the days ahead. Again, thank for kind words.
God bless