DYERSBURG, Tenn. — Marcia Anita Murphy, 79, of Dyersburg, died on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at her residence in Dyersburg. Born Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1947, in Ottumwa, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Ronald Lamis and the late Shirley Sourwine Lamis.
She was the wife of the late Duane Murphy.
Marcia was a woman whose life was marked by a love for children, music, nature, and the simple joys of life. Raised on a farm in Iowa, she developed an appreciation for the outdoors at an early age.
That love never left her. Even throughout her adult years, Marcia loved being outside and never lost her enjoyment of “playing in the dirt,” whether she was working with flowers, plants, or simply enjoying the beauty around her. She loved butterflies and enjoyed watching them flutter among the flowers. She also enjoyed swimming and found great pleasure in being in the water.
Music was another special part of Marcia’s life. She devoted her career to teaching music and had the privilege of sharing her love of music with countless children through the years. She taught in several schools throughout her career, touching the lives of many students with her knowledge, patience, and love of music. Children held a special place in her heart, and that love was evident not only in her classroom but also through her involvement in church.
Approximately 16 years ago, Marcia moved from Overland Park, Kansas, to Dyersburg. She quickly became a part of her new community, joining the McDowell Music Club and the Choral Society. She also became a faithful member of Finley Baptist Church, where she found friendship, fellowship, and another place to share her love for others.
Marcia will be remembered for her love of music, her appreciation for the outdoors, and most of all, the genuine love she had for children. Her life was one of sharing—sharing her knowledge, her talents, her faith, and the joy she found in the simple things around her. The lives of the many children she taught and the people who knew and loved her were made richer because she was a part of them.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Murphy, Ronald and Shirley Lamis, Randolph and Kathleen Murphy, Calvin Lamis and Max Lamis.
She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Blake Murphy (Jennifer) of Dyersburg; one daughter, Lynnette Ambrosio (Max), of Olathe, Kansas; one brother, Mark Lamis (Nancy), of Agency, Iowa; grandchildren, Kaylea Nemechek, of Marietta, Georgia, Erika Nemechek, of Phoenix, Arizona, Austin Nemechek, of Honolulu, Hawaii, Jace Adcock, of Dyersburg, Nicholas and Olivia Ambrosio, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Adam and Victoria Ungashick, of Leawood, Kansas; and three great-grandchildren, Mary and Katherine Ungashick and Vincent Ambrosio.
A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Murphy will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Finley Baptist Church. Officiating this service will be Rev. Trevor Sewell. Visitation for Mrs. Murphy will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Finley Baptist Church. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home in Newbern, Tennessee, is in charge of arrangements.
The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box # 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.
Mrs. Murphy will be laid to rest in Rosine Cemetery. Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is in charge of burial arrangements.
Online messages of condolence may be sent to bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.