Cheryl Denise Murphey

Cheryl Denise Murphey was born on September 5, 1964 and adopted by James F. Morgan and Ila P. Morgan from Long Beach, CA.  She grew up in Long Beach and was the first to graduate from Missionary Baptist Christian School in 1982 and later received her Dental Assistant Certification.  She had a daughter, Megan, while in Long Beach. 

Cheryl was a fish in water, both swimming in her pool at home and in the ocean.  The Californian beaches called her their own, as she found her peace and happiness when she was enjoying the sun, surf, and sand.

She later met Tom Murphey and was married on March 25, 1988 and moved to Odessa, TX to be close to family.

Cheryl worked as a dental assistant in Odessa at Dr. Goates practice for many years.  On her personal-time, she often volunteered at Sherwood Baptist Church both as a Sunday School teacher and annually for Vacation Bible School.  She was a devout Christian who shared God’s love to everyone she met.

She became known to everyone as “Aunt Cheryl” and knew no strangers.  She was dedicated to taking care of her family, both near and far.  She was especially passionate about her love for her fur-babies over the years – taking in and caring for many dogs over the years who needed a loving home.

In the mid-90’s, Cheryl developed Lupus and other autoimmune diseases.  She would continue to cope with health issues the rest of her life, but never let that prevent her from living her life to the fullest.  She always had a smile to share and looked forward to what was next in life. 

In 2002 she moved to Weatherford, Texas area with her husband.  Not long after other family moved into the area, and Cheryl and Tom later settled in nearby Millsap, TX.  She spent her time visiting with and caring for her mother, Ila Morgan, when she no longer was able to live on her own.

On May 3, 2022, she went home to be with the Lord and all her loved ones who went before her.  She leaves a hole in the heart of all who knew her, but also a joy and loving memories of how she touched each and every person she knew.   

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ila Morgan; aunts and uncles: Martha and Amon Langston, Edith and Ray Langston, Amy and John Langston; and brother-in-law, Danny Gray.  She is survived by her husband, Tom Murphey; daughter, Megan Shutika and son-in-law Michael Shutika; “2^nd daughter”, Ivonne Macouzet and her son Alejandro Ruiz-Macouzet (Megan’s best friend); brothers- and sisters-in-laws: Debbie and Gene Langston, Melissa and Ferel Gage, Mark Murphey, Kenneth Murphey, Kim and Terry Murphey, Tony and Gwen Gray, Cynthia and Mike O'Keefe; uncle, Ozrow; cousins: Delores Dietrich, Dean Langston, John Langston, Larry Langston, and Michael Langston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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