Carolyn Annette (Beckwith) Murphy, 83, passed away December 5, 2020, in Rockwall, Texas. She was born March 24, 1937, the daughter of Carrol K. and Hazel C. Smith Beckwith.
Carolyn never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone.
Twice she somehow came home with an infant to babysit after meeting the
parents for only a few minutes. Carolyn always looked after strays, both
2-legged and 4-legged. She cared for others, even though her life was
had many challenges.
She had cancer for over 40 years, and each time
it cropped back up, she fought back with determination and grace. She
was a very strong woman with a heart for others. She raised 4 teenagers
of her own and “mom” to dozens of others. She insisted her 10 grandkids
call her “Granny M.” Which meant the kids of all her adopted children
did too. Granny M spoiled all those who recognized her title. Her love
lives on through the hearts of all the people she touched in her life.
At the end of her life, she suffered from dementia. At different times,
she saw her son as her pappa, husband, brother, and son. Whomever, she
was speaking to at the time, she would grasp his hand, pull him close
and whisper, “get me out of here; I want to go home.” Well, she is
certainly home now. Her family is thankful she is out of pain and giving
all of those family members who proceeded her a loving hug and any help
they need.
A longtime Wichita resident, she operated a business as a driving instructor. She was a member of Central Christian Church and the American Medical Association Women’s Division. She was a grassroots member of AYSO, a youth soccer coach and referee, campfire girl’s leader, church youth director, and PTA member. Her grandchildren attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School in Wichita. Even though she wasn’t a member, she was there each Sunday helping with Sunday School.
She is survived by her children: Jodee (Scott) Pike, Tim (Shari) Murphy, Cheryl Murphy, Karen (Mark) McCubbin; her siblings: J. Keith (Oleta) Beckwith, Kim (Cheryl) Beckwith, Kevin (Suzanne) Beckwith, Kathy Jo (Keith) Johnson; her grandchildren: Jonathan Pike, Matthew (Jordyn) Pike, Daniel Pike, Deborah Murphy, Andrew (Lynsi) Murphy, Jake (Caitlin) Murphy, Taylor Allen, Jordan Allen, Zack McCubbin, Ian McCubbin; and her great-grandchildren: Grayson Pike, Neil Murphy, Sarah Beth Murphy, Norah Murphy, and Rebekah Murphy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, C. Kay Beckwith, and her sister, V. Clione Bieber.
Graveside
service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Larned
Cemetery. Service will be viewable via Facebook Live at
www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. Friday, December 18, 2020, at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.
In place of flowers or memorials, “Granny M” asked all who loved her to commit a random act of kindness to a stranger in her memory.