Sharon Marsha Murphy

Mrs. Sharon Murphy, age 72, of Raleigh, North Carolina, and formerly of Ashe County, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life rich with love, laughter, and compassion.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mike Murphy of Raleigh; her beloved children, Joey (Lisa) Murphy of Willow Springs, NC, and Catherine (Jacob) Murphy-Cutts of Chicago; her cherished grandchildren, Dylan Smith, Ashleigh Murphy, and Allison Murphy; her loving siblings, Larry Trivette of Todd, NC, Barbara Trivette of Knightdale, NC, and Joyce Trivette of Raleigh, NC. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She attended Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, Sharon's spiritual life was the cornerstone of her being. Her faith guided her actions, informed her kindness, and shaped her warm, compassionate soul. She approached life with childlike wonder - whether it was a trip to the grocery store or an impromptu drive to the beach, Sharon saw every moment as a grand adventure.

Her sense of humor was infectious, and she loved nothing more than pulling light-hearted pranks on her family, spreading joy and laughter wherever she went. Sharon had a heart that held room for all living things - she had a lifelong love for animals and kept a unique menagerie of pets over the years, including birds, cats, dogs, mice, rats, and even hissing cockroaches. She had a deep connection with nature and could often be found bird-watching in her garden, able to identify species just by their song.

A NASCAR enthusiast and a vibrant soul, Sharon was both deeply loved and deeply loving. Her joy, her faith, and her fierce love for her family and all creatures great and small will be her enduring legacy.

A funeral service to celebrate Sharon's life will be held on Sunday, August 17, at South Fork New River Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend David Cooper. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at the Howell-Adams Cemetery in Todd, NC.

In honoring Sharon's memory, may we each find the adventure in everyday moments, offer compassion freely, and never be afraid to laugh - even at ourselves.