Emily Brianna (Perry) Murphy

Emily made her grand entrance into this world on March 24, 1982, with little hesitation or delay.  Born only 15 min after her mother, Gale, arrived at the hospital, she was delivered without a doctor present. Looking up with those piercing blue eyes, this first step in the journey of her life showed us just how determined Emily would be – and how we’d all be following her plans for the next 37 wonderful years.

As a young child she adored every type of animal she came across, but none more than horses, live and stuffed.  Being shy (yes, that changed dramatically over time), she and her sister, Miranda, were inseparable. Together they spent countless hours adventuring with all their cousins in McLean, TX and with their half-sister at her dad’s farm in Sweetwater, OK.  Always building forts, exploring, and pranking unsuspecting victims.  Consistently fueled by her favorite, a bowl of Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes and bananas.

Emily loved many things, but nothing more than her people. Forming life-long friendships from Elementary to College. Together the group would support each other in their best and worst times. After high school, she set off on a new journey to OSU.  There she studied animal science, joined the equestrian team, and became a dedicated Cowboy for life. She met and married fellow OSU grad, Scott, on July 21st, 2007. Supporting him in his military career, she eagerly packed her bags for his stationing in Grafwonehr, Germany. Overseas, she explored relentlessly and in true Emily fashion, built a family from friends with unbreakable bonds.  While there, she got exactly what she planned. In 2012, on Halloween, she became a mother to her sweet little boy, Paden.

Scott and Emily returned to the states and lived in Fort Benning, GA, where Emily was a superhero, stay-at-home mom and served as Family Readiness Group leader for the Army.  She was extremely proud of her role and the work she did supporting the Commander’s goals – organizing volunteers, serving on steering committees, and being the spokesperson and delegate for the families. But the greatest blessing in Georgia was giving birth to her mini-me, Sage, in 2015. After Scott’s retirement, the couple quickly closed the miles between family and friends and moved to Amarillo in 2017.

Emily was diagnosed with brain cancer on November 22, 2019, and bravely fought cancer until the end – a short two months later –  on January 23, 2020.  Even on this painful journey she was making all those around smile, laugh, hope and pray. The non-stop revolving door of visitors was a testament to the impact she had on so many.

She left her mark on this world as a bright, bold, fierce and ornery young woman, who left us too soon. Inspiring so many with how she lived her life to the fullest, valued honesty, and ferociously loved her family and friends. In her 37 years, she lit up every room with her smile, wit, and sass. And the world will never be the same without her.

She is survived by her husband Scott Murphy and two beautiful children, Paden (7) and Sage (4); parents Stan Perry and Jeff and Gale McGlaun; her sister Miranda Webb, her husband Brooks and three nieces Emory, Sophie and Charlie. As well as half-sister Cassie Perry and nephews Toby and Corbin; and step-brother Jason and Elena McGlaun and their children, Katalina and William. She is also survived by countless loving uncles, aunts, and cousins who forever love her to the moon and back, and will continue to carry on her legacy of living life to the fullest.