Madeline Murphree Sullivan, 88, of Commerce, passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.  She was born on March 15, 1929, in Denton, Texas, the daughter of William Arthur Murphree and Anna E’Lane Bailey Murphree. 

Madeline grew up in Denton, graduating from Denton High School.  She then attended Texas State College for Women (now Texas Woman’s University), earning her degree in business, and she later earned her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from TWU.  After teaching for 6 years in Richardson ISD, she worked as a counselor at R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD for 19 years. 

She married A.C. Sullivan, also of Denton, on October 1, 1950. They worked and raised their family in Dallas, but upon retirement, they moved permanently to their ranch in Commerce, where they built their current home in 1985.  They were faithful members of the First United Methodist Church during their years in Commerce. Madeline and A.C. enjoyed 52 years together before A.C.’s death in 2003. 

Madeline was always a participator, never a sideliner.  In her leisure time and retirement, she engaged in many activities.  Her lifelong love and passion was horses.  She enjoyed starting yearlings, trail riding, and every moment spent in the saddle.  She was riding her horse Christmas Day 2015 at the age of 86.  Quilting was a joy that she pursued as a member of the Cotton Patch Quilt Guild in Greenville and the Cotton Blossoms Quilt Circle in Commerce.  She was a member of the first class of the Hunt County Master Gardeners, and served as a master gardener for the county for 20 years.  Her specialty was wildflowers, and no flower was too small for her attention and affection.  She was also a member of the Louise Drake Garden Club, as well as the Coterie Culture Club.  Madeline was a founding member of the Heisey Collectors of Texas, an antique glass club of which she was a member for over 40 years.

She had the love and privilege of travel.  In 2015, she accomplished her goal of visiting all 50 states when she vacationed in Minnesota.  She traveled to Canada, Mexico, and Europe a number of times, and even sailed through the Panama Canal while cruising Central America. 

Madeline was a rare and remarkable person who moved easily between all the parts of life she loved.  Whether she was using strength and determination working with horses or enjoying the delicate beauty of handwork or porcelain tea cups, she welcomed us all to enjoy it with her.   

Madeline is survived by her daughters Rosemary Sullivan and Kathleen Sullivan Hooten, son-in-law Greg Hooten, and grandchildren Jourdan Sullivan, Shelton Sullivan, Spencer Sullivan, and Luke Hooten.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband A. C. Sullivan, her beloved son Mark Sullivan, her parents W.A. and E’Lane Murphree, and her sister Margot Murphree, who died as a child.

Serving as pallbearers for Madeline are Dillon Smith, John Smith, Chuck Oelkers , Henry Lee, John Talley, and Bobby Madewell.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 8111 LBJ Fwy, #425, Dallas, Texas 75251 or the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum, 2501 Hwy 24, Commerce, Texas 75428. 

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