Connie Vanessa Murphy

Connie Vanessa Smith was born February 23, 1953, the oldest of ten children, to Barbara J. McDonald. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Murphy Sr.; sons, Charlton E. Murphy and Terrell Smith; grandson, Stephen Egans; brother, Maurice L. Smith; and grandfather, Vestoris Smith. Connie Vanessa was affectionately known and adored by many as “Momma”, “Ms. Connie”, “Miss Murphy”, “Grandma”, “Aunt Connie”, and “Oldiwahcci”. Connie was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. She received Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Later she joined Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. In her final years she joined Faith City Christian Center under the leadership of Pastor W.R. Starr, II, in Kansas City, Kansas. Being the oldest of ten children, hard work and responsibility were essential qualities that were instilled in Connie at an early age. These values remained constant in her adult life as she dedicated years of employment to companies such as Simmons Mattress Company, E.O.F., and NEFF Printing Company. Although Connie was proud of her career accomplishments, her real and abiding passions were her family and friends. She enjoyed having “sister time” with her sisters and spending quality time with loved ones. Connie wore many hats, yet she was most commonly known for her culinary skills and her comedic demeanor. After visiting Connie’s home, you were guaranteed to leave with a good laugh, a great meal, and perhaps even a few “kind” words as her way of showing you that she loved you. Connie was unique in the sense that she never met a stranger. In other words, she showed compassion to everyone she came in contact with. She could house, feed, and clothe anyone that was in need. Not only was she a mother to her children, but she also played that pivotal role in the lives of many of her nieces, nephews, cousins, and even their friends. Connie was most admired by her daughter for the fact that she appeared to be weak to some, but yet so strong when she gave advice to her loved ones that left them feeling unjudged, optimistic, and ready to apply it to their lives. Many people would agree that when God made Connie, he broke the mold and hid the evidence! Famously opinionated and undeniably charismatic, Connie was truly one-of-a-kind and to know her was to love her. She was gifted with the ability to bring a smile to one’s face simply by entering the room. She brought true meaning to the saying, “Laughter is good for the soul.” Connie’s children and grandchildren were very near and dear to her heart. For that reason, she sought to instill in her children a zest for life, a commitment to family, and the power of a smile. On August 30, 2018, Connie Vanessa Murphy made her final transition home. She leaves to cherish and celebrate the fullness of her life her mother, Barbara J. McDonald; daughter, Brenda Smith-McKinney; son, Charles Murphy; grandchildren, Charlton E. Murphy Jr., Sha’ Raya Ashley, Tamerica Lewis, and Kyla Wilson; siblings, Karen McDonald, Charlene Murray (Howard), Melody McDonald, Charles McDonald Jr., Gaylon McDonald (Carla), Teresa Lock, Sheila Stevenson (David), and Steven McDonald; and her love, Cleo A. HaltiWanger Jr. Others who remain to celebrate her life i