For those few of you that don’t know me, I’m Michael, Lorri’s oldest son.

We’re supposed to be celebrating my mom’s life, but It’s difficult to be celebratory, because we’re missing the life of the party. My mom was the one who would tell you to buck up if you were sad. She would encourage you to seek joy in Christ. She would be self deprecating to make you laugh. She’d laugh, or cry, or yell with you. Whatever you needed. She was a servant of people, and a people gatherer. She made everyone feel like family and pulled people into her extended family orbit.

Yesterday was her celebration of life, and as I looked out over the huge crowd there, my heart swelled with joy and pride. I always knew she had impacted many people in her lifetime, but I didn’t think about how she would continue to. There were people there who never met my mother. But they know myself or my brothers or my father. And these people who love and support us are all part of her extended family. She taught us to love people, to treat them like family, and to be loyal to a fault. That is her legacy. I’ve had more people than I can count, this past week, tell me that Lorri was a second Mom to them. People have called her a great woman. A great friend. A woman of God. A leader. A shoulder to cry on. But, sooooo many people said she was a second Mom to them.

There’s a lesson there. And the lesson is, you never know who you’re affecting or how deeply. You never know who is struggling but can be made whole by a small gesture. A hug, a laugh, an encouraging word. Just the feeling of belonging somewhere or to someone. She gave people that belonging.

You, all of you, have been pulled into my mom’s orbit and are now her family. Which means you are our family. So, I speak for my father and my brothers when I say, if any of you, ever need a Lorri Murphy style encouragement please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’ll do our best to live up to her legacy.

MCM

I have so many amazing memories with Lorri that go way back to, really,  the beginning of some of the best and most fun times of my life. So thankful she came into my life. 

I wish I could be there with Mike and family and friends to celebrate her life. 

I am there in spirit.  

I love you Lorri Murphy always ❤

My mother wrote this in March of this year. She loved writing, and she loved our God.

Deep thoughts😌

I haven’t shared for a long time, but as I sit out watering my yard, willing the grass to grow back strong and healthy after so long without steady attention. Green grass without re-sodding (again) has been my challenge this Spring☀️I got the urge to share💜

It amazes me how often The Lord meets me here in this open cathedral, Sun shining, breeze gently whispering His wisdom to me. My fellow worshipers the butterflies and birds. I need the Sun and outdoors like others need technology or company, if it’s light out and alive with nature-green around me I’m at peace😍 The ocean is the exception to this, I also love the loud rumblings of a world beneath the waves where none of us understand the language🌊

As most of you know these past number of years have held many issues, too many to go through again, let’s suffice to say “It’s been a long time of health, and life struggles.”

As I’ve continued fighting to resurrect myself, my family, my voice, even my personal sanctuary my yard, up from the ashes of pain, struggle, neglect, and even at times deep brokenness. I’m HUMBLED yet again at the constancy of our Father. He has literally been with me through every trial. His love always holding onto me.🙏

Like me and my yard, The Lord

could always see the way back to life when I couldn’t. He knew that under the barren soil that seemed to be all that was left of me, that my spirit was still very much alive. He, like me with my neglected yard, knew that with time, water, care, and the Sun/Son; I could be strong and healthy again. whole and ready to continue to fulfill my purpose, The Purpose and Plans He has for me♥️

I see this revelation in the small green shoots starting to press up firmly through the heavy soil laid on them, the grass is coming back slowly but SURELY and so am I. Stronger from the battle, roots deeper from the struggle, ready to overtake the weeds and thrive😊

Stay well, stay strong, pray, God hears and cares🙏♥️

LM

Lorri Murphy

Lori was such a fun person. I remember her as my drama teacher, one of my favorite memories was how easily she improvised my roll as "meda" when I ended up on crutches the day before a much rehearsed "Newsies" was about to show.

  Devin and family, you will be in our prayers. Your mother was a very special lady loved by many.  

Our Lord just took one of His best home.  I don't know anyone who could take her place either here or in heaven.  

Lorri seemed invincible to us. This cheery,  funny,  loving,  faithful,  God fearing, honorable wife,  mother and grandmother leaves a space only God can fill.  

Our hearts break for you Mike,  Michael,  Devin, Ethan and family and we pray for your peace,  comfort and healing.  We love you all. 

Summer McKnight Glass and Family, Paula Fleetwood Stern and  Family