Teresa Annette "Terrie" Murphy

Teresa Annette (Brown) Murphy, 62, beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother passed away peacefully in her Tonganoxie home on December 20, 2025. Terrie, as she was affectionately known by all, was born to Harold and Irene Brown on September 7, 1963 in Kansas City, Kansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents. Terrie leaves behind her husband, Mark Murphy; sister, Susan Hunter; brother, Harold (Vicki) Brown; daughter, Ashlee (Mark) Thatcher; son, Mark Adam Murphy; and grandchildren, Hagen and Henslee Thatcher. Terrie graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1982 and married her life partner, Mark Robert Murphy, just two years later on June 9, 1984. Together, they shared 41 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, family, and commitment.

Terrie and Mark raised two children, Ashlee Thatcher and Mark Adam Murphy. Ashlee and her husband, Mark Thatcher, provided Terrie with the next and possibly most enjoyable chapter of her life by parenting grandchildren for the Murphys. The highlight of Terrie's life was the new role of grandmother to Hagen and Henslee. She highly prized her new moniker "Ama" as initiated by Hagen. Terrie could be found front row and center with her eyes bright, sporting her million-kilowatt smile in support of whatever event, occasion, or first involved the grandchildren. Terrie's commitment to be present for these children especially during the summer and fall of 2025 when her personal comfort was non-existent was awe-inspiring. When others may have bowed out due to illness over this past year, she went all in and doubled down. Birthdays, ball games, Farm School graduation, Kindergarten open house, Worlds of Fun and even attending trick or treating albeit as a passenger of a slow-moving vehicle, Terrie's support was unflappable. Her presence will be woven into the fabric of their lives forever.

Terrie had a gregarious fun seeking nature that was contagious. She loved roller skating, swimming, gardening and volleyball. She had a profound and unmistakable love for life and embraced each day fully and joyfully, living with enthusiasm, resilience, and an open heart. Teresa never met a stranger and possessed a rare ability to make others feel welcomed and valued. Strong-willed and unapologetically herself she lived according to her own values with a spirit that could not be dimmed. Terrie loved animals, especially their dogs Coco and Zoey.

Teresa was a dedicated employee of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), where she worked for 19 years as a Category Specialist. She took great pride in her work and was respected for her knowledge, commitment, and strong work ethic.

On September 22, 2024, Terrie gave her life to Christ alongside her daughter, Ashlee Thatcher, a decision that brought her peace and strengthened her faith. In late January 2025, she was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer. She underwent extensive testing and treatment at The University of Kansas and later at MD Anderson Cancer Center. True to her determined nature, she pursued every option presented to her, firmly believing she would overcome the illness.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that she was saved and that her faith carried her through her final journey. Terrie will be remembered for her strength, her deep love of life, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Ellie B's, 220 West Street, Tonganoxie, Kansas.