Tawni Caroline Murphy age 34, of Goetzville, Michigan was unexpectedly taken from her family on Sunday morning, August 14th as she was driving home from her place of employment in St. Ignace, Michigan. Tawni Caroline was and will always be remembered as loving wife to her husband, Matthew Scott Bell and a selflessly dedicated mommy to her four young children, Ariana Elizabeth Bell, AdyLynn Raine Bell, Alexzandria Kae Bell, and Colston William Eugene Bell-Murphy. Tawni Caroline was also stepmom to four precious children from a previous marriage; Trista May Bell, M.J. Bell, Scottie Lynn Bell, and Leyton Bell and did her best to encourage and support them during difficult transitions in their lives.
Tawni Caroline was born in Wheatridge, Colorado on April 5th 1988, to Mark William (Pops) and Mary Kaye (Casey) Murphy. She and her older brother T.J. (Annette) Murphy grew up in the Denver area until 1993 when the family moved to Marquette, Michigan to begin a new chapter in their lives. As Mark and Casey pursued employment and ultimately, ministry opportunities in the Marquette area, Tawni made a commitment to the Lord which sustained her through the joys and trials of her young adult life. This journey gave Tawni Caroline an amazing heart of compassion for the wounded, the broken, and the hopeless.
After their marriage, Tawni and Matthew moved back to Denver in 2014, where Tawni obtained a CDL license and began driving Rapid Transit Buses throughout the metro area as a means of helping to support her family. Her strength of heart and fearless approach to life made it possible for her to do anything she put her mind to. Tawni had a special way of meeting people at their lowest point and offering understanding and a helping hand up, which later made her a loved and respected case manager of a large Homeless shelter in Aurora, Colorado. During this time, Tawni was also well respected by the nearby Aurora Police Department as the officers often commented on her ability to de-escalate situations before they were even called on scene. Tawni could be strong and courageous when she had to be, yet deeply loving and completely dedicated to her husband, children, friends, family, and anyone she came in contact with.
Tawni is loved beyond measure and will continue to be missed by her immediate family and friends as her passing has left a brokenness in our hearts that only the Lord can heal. She is preceded in her passing by grandparents, William and Lillian Murphy, and Harold and Agnes Murphy. Uncle Mikey Murphy and aunt Terri Wills also precede Tawni’s passing.
Beyond those previously mentioned, Tawni Caroline leaves behind Scott and Amanda Bell from Port Orchard, Washington, and a very large number of aunts, uncles, and cousins from many different areas of the nation.
Family and friends will gather on Monday, August 22 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the First Free Methodist Church, 505 W. 4th Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for fellowship and consolation.
Pastor Willard Hotchkiss will officiate over the funeral service which begins at 1:00 pm and will be followed by a grave side service at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens cemetery. After the graveside service, the ladies of the First Free Methodist Church will provide a meal which all are invited and encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, any donations given will be used to directly offset family and funeral expenses.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Tawni Murphy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
- Keeping The Piece Quilters Guild to hold annual show in September - July 2, 2023
- District Court Report: April 20, 2023 - April 21, 2023
- Early Invaders of the Eastern Upper Peninsula - April 18, 2023
