MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS News) - The Murfreesboro community is gathering this week to honor the life of Elizabeth McPhee, wife of MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and the longtime First Lady of the university, whose warmth, service, and steady presence touched generations across both campus and city. Her family has announced that visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Belle Aire Baptist Church at 1307 North Rutherford Boulevard, with a funeral service to follow the next morning, Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m., also at the church. Woodfin Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. Mrs. McPhee passed away Jan. 8 at the age of 72 after a brief illness. CLICK HERE to read Mrs. McPhee's obituary. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging memorial gifts in her name to the MTSU Foundation or to the Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Foundation, where she served as a dedicated board member. They’ve asked that any contributions include the note “In Memory of Elizabeth McPhee,” a small gesture that reflects the deep ties she maintained with both the university and the hospital community.

Her passing has prompted heartfelt statements from local leaders who knew her not only as the spouse of MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, but as a teacher, volunteer, and familiar face in Murfreesboro civic life. Rutherford County Government shared its condolences, calling her loss “considerable” and noting her devotion to education and charitable work. Mayor Joe Carr said the county mourns alongside President McPhee and hopes he finds comfort in knowing the community stands with him during this difficult time.

At Thursday night’s City Council meeting, Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland paused the agenda to reflect on Mrs. McPhee’s impact. He spoke of her years teaching at Discovery School, her volunteer work at Campus School, and the way she quietly wove herself into the fabric of the city’s school system and neighborhoods. He emphasized that the McPhee family remains in the city’s prayers and that her contributions will not be forgotten.

As the community prepares to gather this week, the sense of loss is matched by a deep appreciation for a woman who spent decades lifting up students, families, and institutions across Rutherford County

The family requests memorials be made in Mrs. McPhee’s name to the MTSU Foundation, Campus Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132, or online at www.mtsu.edu/give. Please note “In Memory of Elizabeth McPhee” in any submission. Memorials may be directed as well to the Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Foundation, for which Mrs. McPhee served as a board member.