Obituary of Angela Marie Murphy

Angela Marie Murphy was born on October 5, 1971 in Los Angeles, CA. Ronald Gilbert and Barbara Jean Murphy adopted Angie to join her brother and first best friend David Wayne Murphy. When she was two years old, her childhood babysitter Martha Trotter discovered that she was deaf, beginning her journey as a proud member of the deaf community. Raised on West 74th Street near Crenshaw and Florence Avenues, Angie, determined and creative, was known for her incredible resourcefulness and jubilant spirit. She attended Mary Bennett Elementary School, Wilshire Crest Elementary School, Bancroft Junior High School, and Fairfax High School where she shared her light with a host of friends, many of whom she still has today. With her deep determination, she took computer skills classes at Venice Skills Center along with her best friend Tanicia Ballote and then became a licensed cosmetologist through El Camino College. She was active in church as an American Sign Language worship leader. They say that "it takes someone brave to be a mother, someone strong to raise a child, and someone special to love someone more than herself." It is with all these intentions, Angela embarked on the most important role of her life. On July 20, 1988, she welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Demetria Marie Murphy, into the world. With grace and strength, she began raising her child as a single mother with the support of her village, Ronald, Barbara, and David Murphy and a host of family friends. In search of a new beginning and in the pursuit of love, she moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1993 to join her partner Damon Powell. On September 19, 1994, they greeted a beaming baby boy, Taylor Damon Powell, into the world. Very shortly after, Damon and Angela intertwined their lives into one, marrying on June 1, 1996. Shortly after on June 23, 1998, they embraced a blissful baby girl, Monika Danielle Powell, making their family complete. As a unit of five, she loved to go on family vacations to the latest and greatest theme parks, renovating her home, and cooking the most fabulous meals this side of heaven. During her time in Las Vegas, she began working at Bank of America as a data entry clerk. She then transitioned to the United States Postal Service where she served as a dutiful employee for many years as a mail processor and most recently as a mail clerk. Angie brought joy to her coworkers daily through her vivacious spirit. Much like Angela's favorite creatures, the butterfly, she understood the power of transformation to grow. In 2008, Angela and Damon ended their marriage and began co-parenting their children. She channeled her energy into traveling and embarking on new friendships. Anyone who knows Angela knows that she was incredibly gifted and talented in the kitchen. She communicated love and was able to touch your soul with her cooking. Angela experienced true happiness when she was creating things to adorn her home, dancing with her divas, and singing along to her favorite singer Keke Wyatt. She was active in her home community, the deaf community, attending Bunco game nights, DeafNation expos, sports games, and any other event she found of interest where she could form new connections across the country. She is survived by so many who love and cherish her: her parents, Ronald and Barbara Murphy; her brother, David Murphy; her three children, Demetria Murphy, Taylor and Monika Powell; two grandchildren, Taylor Powell, Jr. and Hazel Powell; and a host of family and friends. They will honor her life by living it as she would, free. The funeral will be held 2:30 pm on Monday, March 4, 2019 at The Lakes Lutheran Church, 8200 W Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV. Calling hours will be Sunday, March 3 from 2:00-5:00 PM at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services, 3975 S. Durango Drive, Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV.