Georgia Ann Franza Murdock

 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Georgia Ann Franza Murdock, 77, of Avon Park, FL (hometown) and Troutman, NC (current residence), who left this world peacefully on December 1, 2025. Born on November 27, 1948, Georgia was the beloved daughter of the late Joe and Shirley Franza. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Gayle E. Murdock.

Georgia is survived by her loving children: Heather Pharris (William), Heath Murdock (Melissa), and Hope Murdock (Eric Smith). She was a proud and cherished grandmother to Annsley Pawling (Andrew) and Peyton Pharris, Brooke and Cole Murdock, Dylan and Dalton Brown, and Isabelle “Izzy” Smith. She also leaves behind her brother, Joe Franza (Lindy), and sister, Susie Buelow (Dave), along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Georgia was a proud alumna of Avon Park High School (Class of 1966) and graduated summa cum laude from Erskine College with a degree in Biology. After graduation, Georgia married Gayle in her hometown church, United Congregational Church, on July 29, 1970.

She later earned her master’s in counseling from the University of South Florida while working full-time as a Guidance Counselor at Avon Park High School. Prior to that, she served as a Resource Teacher for the Highlands County School Board, counseling young adults struggling with addiction—work that reflected her deep compassion and commitment to helping others. She also worked in Health and Human Services for the State of Florida, supporting foster care children and individuals battling addiction and substance abuse, for many years.

Georgia dedicated her career to education and counseling young adults in Highlands County, Florida, serving in all area high schools, including Avon Park High School, Sebring High School, and Lake Placid High School. Through decades of service, she guided and mentored thousands of students, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. Her impact on young lives and families will be felt for generations.

Georgia will be remembered for her elegance, intelligence, strength, and steadfast faith. She lived with purpose and grace, always striving to make the world a better place through her work and her love for family and friends.

A celebration of Georgia’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on January 7, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Troutman, NC, and at 4:00 pm on February 3, 2026, at the historic Union Congregational Church in Avon Park, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Joe Franza Scholarship at Avon Park High School or the Megan Knox Memorial Scholarship at South Iredell High School.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Murdock family.