In Loving Memory

Michael Collins Murphy

Affectionately known as “Mike,” he was born on June 21, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the second son of the union of George and Leona Murphy. Raised in the Englewood community during his early years, Mike was baptized at St. Raphael Catholic Church where he became an altar boy. As a child, Mike served and loved the lord. He attended De La Salle Institute. Michael went on to pursue a BA degree from De Paul University in Chicago. As a young man, Mike worked as a bus-boy at the Palmer House of Chicago, a truck driver for the Chicago Public Library. He worked at Provident Hospital as a TV service man. He cleaned houses for his grandfather and his godmother. He did not have to work hard to charm family and friends as he was always a sweet, considerate heart. He reached out to everyone he met. Mike was inspired by his faith in God, prayer, joyful sacrifice and a loving concern for others.

July 21, 1952 – December 28, 2014

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

We celebrate a good and gentle man, a generous friend and teacher.

In memory of my brother, Mike, may we acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that his life was to us, and the pain that his passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen the sadness and remember forever the joy he brought to us all.

Mike was just 62 years old when he passed away. Our mother and father taught us that spiritual values must be instilled as the springboard to becoming a whole person in society and that the basis to success in anyone’s life is a strong-hold of spirituality and love for God.

Mike was very close to his family and his friends. My brother may have meant something to each and every one of you; personally, he was truly my big-brother.

Mike was so much more than those long ago images I have from growing up with him. He was a boy who grew into a man with a zest for life and a love for all. He loved baseball, music, reds beans and rice. Mike's love for Cane River, Louisiana was his passion. We knew Mike had an important job. He was working to change the world. Mike was a warm and friendly man who made his mark in the world not with grand gestures or fancy titles, but by the basic goodness and generosity of his character, by the quality of his involvement with his fellow man, and how he brought out these qualities in others.

St. Augustine Church and Cemetery, founded by Augustin Metoyer and originally the family place of worship, has served the Isle Brevelle community at Melrose, Natchitoches Parish, LA, since the early 1800's.

Mike acted on his commitment to serve human-kind in his pursuit of fairness, justice, and equality for all. His leadership role and his involvement in the civil rights movement and as an advocate of social justice advocate started as a result of his father's example. Let’s be thankful for all the special moments that my brother has left us. And with that, I hope that my brother will continue to live on within our hearts and minds.

My life feels so empty right now. I miss his kindness, his support and humor. I hope that everyone will take the time to think about all of the fond memories they had with Mike. He may be gone but his memory will live on forever. We, who have loved him from the day he was born, and watched the remarkable man he became, now bid him farewell. God bless you, Mike; we love you and may you rest in peace. There are things that we don't want to happen, but have to accept -- things we don't want to know, but have to learn and people we can't live without, but have to let go.

He was extremely proud of his Creole Heritage.

With family on

Cane River.

Murphy men crashing YaYa Book Club meeting.

After graduating from DePaul University he then attended Michigan State University before enrolling in the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he earned a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry. In 1987, Mike founded the St. Stephen’s Community Church in Lansing, Michigan. During his time there, he was also elected to the Lansing City Council and in 2000 he was elected to the Michigan State Legislature, where he served three terms.

In 2009, his calling led him to Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington D.C.

He is survived by his daughter Rachel and her daughter London, his step-son Brandon Clark and his daughter Danielle, his sister Leah and her son Peter, his wife Charone and their children Ellie, Ronen and Nadav, his brother Ray, his wife Sharon and their children Raymond and Christopher, his niece Cherise, her husband Pernell and their children Michael, Niko, and Mecca, his nephew George IV, special cousins Marissa & TJ, god-sisters & brothers and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his mother Leona, father George Jr., brothers George III and William.

Leah & Ray wish to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many acts of kindness, prayers, and kind words. O Most Merciful JESUS, we consecrate ourselves today and always to Your Most Sacred Heart. JESUS, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like Your Heart.