Karla J. Murphy
(January 11, 2010)

Karla Johnson Murphy never met a stranger. She could instantly connect with people, whether it be in a grocery store line or at a family reunion. Karla left this world that she loved so dearly on Jan. 11, 2010. She was born to Doris Lemley Johnson and the late Carl Johnson. She was a beauty, but her real beauty came from within, from her joyous personality that was quick with a laugh even in her final days. She married the love of her life Mike Murphy and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Sara Owen of Charlotte, N.C., and Lindsay Owen of Huntington. Sara and Lindsay describe her as a wonderful mother. In recent years, additional joy was brought to their lives in granddaughter Olivia Adeline Owen of Huntington. Karla's survivors and friends include: her brother, David Johnson, his wife, Pat, of Huntington; her brother Steven Johnson, and his wife, Brenda, of Springfield, Va.; Mary Johnson Halpin and her husband, Phil, of Elicott City, Md.; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Wini (Murphy) and Mike Jimmerson of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; Marty and Mary Murphy of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; Peggy Murphy of Pensacola, Fla.; and Jose Marquez of Atlanta; her nieces and nephews, Maureen Johnson, Josh Johnson, Chantel Johnson, Chanel Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Lela (Ian) McFarland, Ryan (Vanessa) Johnson, Damon Johnson, Damian (Amanda) Wanek, Delaney Wanek, Meg Murphy, Jillian Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Shannon (Jason) Mamaloukas, Shane (Shannon) Murphy; and her beloved dog, Lucky Jack Bailey. Friends and family will most miss her infectious laugh and joy of life and encourage others to come celebrate her life between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, (leaving plenty of shopping time afterward) at Chapman Mortuary, 2851 3rd Ave. The family would like to thank the supportive staffs at Ohio State University medical centers and Hospice of Huntington. In lieu of flowers Karla would probably appreciate donations to The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; the Joan C. Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center in Huntington; or, The Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington.