Sapulpa woman’s life of compassion and service honored through donation
Throughout her life, Cherie Murphy of Sapulpa, Okla., was fun-loving, patient, and profoundly dedicated to her family and community.
Cherie brightened every room she entered, turning everyday activities into beautiful memories for her family. Her son, Jared, recalled his favorite moments from his childhood; his mother opening all the windows on a nice day, listening to ’90s country music playing throughout the house, going on car rides together and singing along to George Strait, and spending time together on family vacations.
“Just running errands was fun with her,” Jared shared. “We would be driving down the road, jamming out to whatever music was on the radio, or we would hook up one of our phones to the car and play our favorite songs and really have fun. We would sing along loud and proud, even though we couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket!”
She found a special family within her church, First United Methodist Church of Sapulpa, and enjoyed helping wherever she was called upon, whether if it was to serve on a committee or to volunteer with fundraising efforts. She was also a member of the Lady Elks Auxiliary and worked her way up to being President of the Lady Elks.
Cherie was passionate about raising money for those in need, leading projects supporting local cancer patients by selling homemade jewelry, handing out cases of water and other essentials to those affected by tornadoes, and giving back to her community whenever she could.
“I distinctly remember the day that she joined the church,” Jared said. “She was moved to tears as she very much loved and appreciated every friend that she made at both the church and the Lady Elks.”
Her daughter-in-law, Melinda, also had a special place in her heart for Cherie.
“She was always there when we needed her,” Melinda said. “Cherie was understanding and kind, yet firm and would tell you what she knew. She was always there to support and help figure out solutions to problems. She was also so fun and carefree.”
When Cherie unexpectedly passed after a fatal car accident in August of 2022, her family knew that she had proudly registered her decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. During Cherie’s final days in the hospital, her family built a unique relationship with LifeShare Oklahoma, the state’s organ procurement organization.
Jared, who was in the car accident that took Cherie’s life, remembers the special care the LifeShare team showed his family during the difficult time.
“The LifeShare team was extremely sympathetic and nonintrusive, while being ever mindful of our needs all at the same time,” Jared said. “It really was quite remarkable. I was in mom’s Intensive Care Unit room in a wheelchair because I was recovering in the hospital at the same time. When I was in her room, sometimes right next to her bed, I felt very much in the way when LifeShare would need to come in and check on mom. However, they always reassured me that I was fine where I was, and that they could and would work around me. I so very much appreciated that small gesture of kindness.”
Through the gift of organ, eye and tissue donation, Cherie saved the lives of four individuals by donating her heart, liver and both kidneys. She also gave bone, connective tissue, skin and corneas to enhance the lives of others.
In the months following Cherie’s passing, the transplant recipient who received her heart reached out to her family to connect. Jared remembers the reading the letters, one from the recipient himself, and more from each of his family members.
“When my mom’s heart recipient got the news that her heart was matched to him, he was actually in the car on the way to hospital to go on hospice.” Jared said. “What do you call that but divine intervention? You may be the next person to save not just one, but many, and be called a Donor Hero.”
With just one decision, donor heroes like Cherie can save up to eight lives and enhance 75 more. Her family encourages all Oklahomans to make that same decision.
“It’s so easy to do,” Jared told LifeShare. “By just saying yes to organ donation when you get your driver’s license, that decision is made for your loved ones, so they don’t have to in a moment of grief. Organ donation truly saves lives.”
LifeShare encourages all Oklahomans to give the gift of hope to all those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation. Learn more and register to be a donor today by visiting LifeShareRegistry.org.
