Obituary of Karla J. Murphy

Karla Jeanette Murphy was born on January 11, 1955, to the union of the late Clarence Murphy and Sophia Pauling Burton in Detroit, Michigan. She was the second child of four children, her siblings are Pamela, Paula ("Sue") and Darryl ("Sonny"). Ms. Sophia later met and married Mr. Curtis "Tick" Burton, to which Kimberly and Tracey where born into this union. Together, Sophie and "Tick" nurtured and loved all the children as one family. In the early 70s, Karla met Mr. Earnest Dwight Washington and they became Detroits teenage power couple. He taught her how to ride and drive with no fear. She drove everything from 18 wheelers, dump trucks to fast cars. In 1972, they welcomed their son Angelo Ray and together they grabbed life by the steering wheel until Earnest passed in 1978. Karla worked at Federal Department Store which afforded her independence. She, along with all her siblings worked with their grandparents, Mr. Frank Pauling and Mrs. Mary Pauling, at their restaurant, Paris Inn, for many years. On November 15, 1978, a little after 7:00 p.m., while Karla was working the night shift at the family restaurant. Mr. Rubin Hightower walked in and once their eyes met it was mutual love at first sight. They were united in Holy Matrimony on May 19, 1980. They remained great friends throughout the years. Karla went on to earn her cosmetology license from Virginia Farrell Beauty school. Her professional cosmetology career started at Today's Woman Hair Salon. Karlas family created an upscale and contemporary salon for hair styling called "Sash's" Hair Salon. Karla also worked in the Fischer Building at DeVilla's Hair salon. On September 3, 1983, Garren William Hightower was born at 19 inches and today he's 6'8". Family was important to Karla, she enjoyed cooking and she was a connoisseur of Jazz music. Live music at Shane Park on the Detroit River always brought a smile to her face. Being outdoors was comforting too, including picnics in the park, fishing, and boating. Karla later married Mr. Dwayne Pierson, together they enjoyed vacationing and traveling. Karla moved to North Dakota where she became a pioneer in the African-American hair circuit. She was loved for being well versed in all hair care and was able to beautify women of all ethnicities. On July 1, 2020, God laid Karla down gently to rest. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Mary and Frank Pauling, mother Sophia, Aunt Elaine Helton, Uncle Derrick Pauling, and her youngest sister Tracey Burton. Karlas life and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family; Sons Angelo Ray Murphy, Garren William Hightower and his wife Shantia, grandchildren Angelo Ray Murphy II, Armari Darzell Murphy, Garren William Hightower Jr. and Kaymora Amiya Hightower. Father Curtis Burton, Siblings; Pamela Duvall, Paula Murphy, Darryl Murphy and his wife Maia, and Kimberly Burton; Nieces Cassandra Burton, Tracey Murphy and Darnae Murphy, Nephews Darryl Murphy Jr. and Aston Murphy, Great nieces Regan Caverly and Soren Caverly , Uncle Molotov Pauling, Aunts Barbara Helton and Fannie Mills, numerous cousins other relatives and treasured friends. Please share a memory of Karla in her guestbook.