Ivy Murphy's Obituary
We are sad to announce the passing of Ivy on February 15th, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Ivy was born into a career military family in Winnfield, Louisiana to Dero and Lola Murphy. After she was born, the family was stationed in Munich, Germany where she lived for a few years. After living in Germany, her family returned to the United States eventually being stationed at Ft. Lewis (JBLM) where she spent many wonderful years before the family moved to Lakewood, WA. Ivy graduated from Lakes High School class of 1970. Upon graduation from Lakes High School, Ivy was accepted into Cal Poly Tech University in Southern California where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Ivy also received her master’s degree and worked on her Ph.D. at different times even later into her life. Sadly, she was not able to complete that degree due to her illness.
While living in Southern California Ivy taught school in the City of Compton for several years, while there, Ivy was also involved in the 1984 Summer Olympics helping with various tasks including forming a partnership that provided healthy organic juices to the athletes. The partnership eventually grew into a store that provided organic juices and other products to the Los Angeles community. It was during this time that her deeply loved daughter, Yami, was born. Eventually Ivy and Yami moved back "home" to Lakewood. She served the Lakewood and Tacoma community by working and volunteering in many different efforts primarily involving youth (gang intervention, martial arts, historical activities etc.,). In addition, Ivy was a dedicated member of the Baha’i Faith and was especially an advocate of race relations and education.
Proceeding her in death was her mother, father, sister Annie Blackwell and nephew Ronald "Trey" Murphy and a host of other relatives. Leaving to mourn her is her beloved daughter Yami, son-in-law Chris, grandsons; Jourdan, Jace and Jonas; sisters Donna (Willie), Dorothea; brothers Bill (Carmen), Ron (Sylvia), Michael (Debi); brother-in-law James Blackwell and many loving nieces and nephews and friends.
A very special thank you to her best friend since childhood, Akua Henderson-Brown. Thank you for loving her as much as we do.
The service is being held on March 2nd at 1:00 PM Pacific. Please click on the link below to join the live stream service at that time.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/49059
For those not able to join us virtually at that time, a recording can be accessed via the same link for 90 days following the service.
Due to Vaccines being distributed at Clover Park, it is recommended that guests approach Mountain View from the East or North (South Tacoma Way) to avoid possible backups and plan to arrive early in case of traffic delays.
What’s your fondest memory of Ivy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ivy?
Share a story where Ivy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ivy you’ll never forget.
How did Ivy make you smile?