Judy L. Murphy, editor of the Troup County News, died Monday morning after a heart attack. She was 57.

Murphy suffered the heart attack Sunday morning at her home and died Monday morning at West Georgia Medical Center, confirmed Troup County Coroner Jeff Cook, who added that Murphy was a friend.

“If she believed in you, you couldn’t ask for a better friend,” Cook said. “She’s been a real good friend to me.”

Murphy’s death was a shock to many, including officials from the county and city level.

“I have been in office for the past six years, and Judy Murphy has been present at many of the various community meetings. I always had great respect for her, she saw a business opportunity with the paper and took it,” said Ricky Wolfe, chairman of the Troup County Commission.

Wolfe said Murphy was a tenacious individual and extended his condolences to her family members.

“She was a very good friend of mine, and her death will represent a great loss to the community,” said Troup County Commissioner Ken Smith.

LaGrange City Mayor Jeff Lukken gave the following statement,”Judy was one of the hardest working individuals I have met. Her efforts and determination dramatically changed the face of the media in Troup County. She will be missed.”

Mike Dobbs, recently retired county manager, said he was shocked to hear of Murphy’s death Monday morning. Sheriff’ Donny Turner had told him about her heart attack Sunday and also notified him shortly after her death.

“I’ve known Judy and her husband Eddie for a long time prior to their starting the paper and she was a lady of good Christian values, you always knew where you stood with Judy,” Dobbs said this morning. “She would ask the important question in her latest endeavor to get the facts for a story. She had a very compassionate side of her that many folks may not have seen. … She will truly be missed, and my sympathies to the family.”.

A person who answered the phone at Troup County News office Monday said the family was in grieving and declined comment.

Phillip Clark, a former Troup County News reporter, offered his condolences to the family.

“Judy was an extremely hard worker and was devoted to that paper, she believed in her product,” he said. “She also was totally devoted to her family.”

Carrie Brkich worked for Troup County News for almost two years. She was saddened to hear of Murphy’s passing.

“Judy was very passionate about her work and was committed to serving her community. She was one of the most tenacious women who I have known,” Brkich said. “She was a woman of strong faith and was fearless in life, and I have to believe, also fearless in death. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this time.”

Higgins LaGrange Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Murphy. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home and a public service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home chapel.