Shanda Murphy
March 24, 1969 – Oct. 29, 2011

The sun rises on our lives when we enter the world, and our relationships and experiences

move us through it like a vapor in the wind.  And when the hour arrives for our sunset, we leave behind loved ones with hearts full of special memories.  So it is with Shanda Vellette Murphy.
Her sunrise came on March 24, 1969, to brighten the lives of Earl Lamont Jones, Sr. and Wanda Patricia Murphy. She confessed Jesus Christ as savior at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dennis Giden, Sr.
Shanda was a gifted caretaker by nature, and, upon graduation from Niles High School, she worked as a unit clerk for Lakeland Hospital for 13 years. Her most recent employment was with Silverbrook Manor as a certified nursing assistant. In her quiet times, she was an avid reader. She also loved to cook and spend quality time with her family. She was a truly genuine person, had a great sense of humor and her laugh made you want to laugh with her.
But her greatest attribute and joy was being a wonderful mother to her two beautiful daughters, Kaiyalynn and Shania Murphy. She leaves them to cherish her memory after her unexpected sunset on Oct. 29, 2011.
She also leaves her parents, Earl Jones, Sr. of Michigan City, Ind., and Wanda Thompson of Niles; one sister, Gwendarla Thompson of South Bend; three brothers, Earl (Jamela) Jones, Jr. and Derrick Montgomery of Phoenix, Ariz., and Desmond (Amber) Jones of Evansville, Ind.; her maternal grandparents, John Murphy and Magnolia Murphy of Niles; two goddaughters, Kevauna Reed and Carolyn Bibbs of Niles; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Shanda was preceded in death by her stepfather, Clifford Thompson, Jr.; her paternal grandparents, Charlie and Izelia Jones; maternal great-grandparents, Haskin and Lillie Palmer and Mattie Baker; one aunt, Neda Smith; one uncle, John Edwards; and one niece, Jenna Jones.
Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 5, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles.
Friends may call one hour before the service at the church.
Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan is handling the arrangements for the family.