Kimberly Rebecca Murphy

Kimberly Rebecca Murphy, 63, of Mount Airy, Maryland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at The Dove House in Westminster, Maryland.

Born on August 10, 1961, she was the daughter of Robert Snapp and Grace (Burdette) Snapp.

Kim earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Frostburg State University, and her Master’s Equivalency Degree through Montgomery County Public Schools. She spent 37 years as a dedicated teacher at Laytonsville Elementary School, where she instilled a love for learning in each of her students and touched countless lives, both within her classroom and for years beyond. Her kindness, patience, enthusiasm, and positive attitude made her a favorite among students and her fellow staff members alike. Kim retired from teaching in 2022.

 Kim was a devoted, nurturing and steadfast mother and wife. She loved spending time with her family, whether it be at home, a place she always worked to fill with love, away on a camping trip to countless destinations across the US, or on the family’s annual vacation to the beach.One of her favorite places to be was sitting in her chair on the beach, with a book in her hand, and in the company of those she loved. She was always up for a game of cards or a board game, and loved coming up with her own creative activities for family gatherings. She enjoyed time with friends, and always made an effort to show up to support those she held dear. In recent years, she adored being Nannie to her grandson, Jackson, and never missed an opportunity to share her love with him or to witness in the joys of his life. Along with her husband, Pat, she was a devoted and enthusiastic member of her church where she joyously participated in many committees, and cultivated numerous long lasting friendships.

Kim is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Pat Murphy, and their three beautiful daughters Kaitlin Howard and her husband Justin Howard, Emily Murphy and her husband Tim Lyons, and Meagan Murphy, her grandson Jackson Howard, her father Robert Snapp, her mother Grace Snapp and her sister Barbara Danberg and family. Kim is preceded in death by her sister Linda Snapp.

The family will receive friends and visitors on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Calvary United Methodist Church, located at 403 S. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD 21771.

A celebration of Kim's life will take place at Calvary United Methodist Church, located at 403 S. Main Street, Mount Airy, MD 21771, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00am. 

As this will be a celebration of life, celebratory or representative apparel of how you knew Kim is encouraged. Suggestions include beach themed attire, apparel from Laytonsville Elementary, Kim’s favorite color (green), Kim’s favorite flower (daises), etc. We all have special memories of Kim, and the family invites everyone to honor them in dress.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Dove House in Westminster, MD or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

 Kim touched so many people throughout her life, and her family would like to see her love and light live on in those who knew and loved her. A Facebook page has been created to memorialize Kim’s life, and the family invites anyone to share a story, memory or remembrance of Kim that brings a smile to their face or holds special meaning to them there. 

Additional remembrances of Kim’s life may also be shared with the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.