Shelley Murphy

Dawn Michele “Shelley” Murphy, 59, of Toledo, Illinois passed away at 7:21 a.m. on Thursday May 29, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, surrounded by her family. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 3rd, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo. Graveside service will follow at the Toledo Cemetery. 

Shelley was born on September 6, 1965, to Harold and Anita (Kirk) Cutts in Mattoon, IL. She married Brad Murphy on May 14, 1983. Survivors include mother, her loving husband Brad; son Scotty; grandchildren Gatlin and Brittlin Murphy; brothers David (Rachel) Cutts, Dustin Cutts, and sister Marci Smith. She was Aunt Shelley to nephews Brayden Smith, Rylan Smith, Blayke (Makenna) Cutts, Bryson (Hannah) Cutts, Brennyn (Micaela Bradley) Cutts, Brandon, Jason, Clayton, and Alex; nieces Kylee, Kacee, and Alyssa. Also surviving are mother-in-law Carol Murphy; brother-in-law Brian (Patti) Murphy; sisters-in-law Kelly Murphy and Jackie Hatten. She was preceded in death by her father Harold; brother Monte, father-in-law Larry Murphy; grandparents Raymond and Hollis Cutts and Dale and Dorothy Kirk; great niece Jade Smith.

Shelley graduated from Cumberland High School in 1983 and received her RN degree from Lake Land College. She worked as a nurse for the Cumberland County Health Department until her health prevented it. 

Shelley loved spending time with her family, especially her precious grandchildren, attending many of their sporting events. She was famous for her mac and cheese because “no one makes mac and cheese like Aunt Shelley”. Shelley was known for her huge heart and her caring nature. She had a beautiful soul and found joy in sending greeting cards to so many. Shelley’s love and spirit will be missed by all!

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to the Backpack Ministry. 

Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

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