‘HER HEART WILL SHINE ON’
Tributes paid to ‘caring and loving’ Sunderland mum who died in her sleep
The children a Sunderland mum have led tributes to the “diamond” 39-year-old as they community rallies round to help them in their time of need.
Sam Murphy, who was born and bred on the city’s Red House estate, was devoted to her children and helping others, described by her friends as “a well known happy hour lucky girl, always smiling caring and loving towards her community”.
Now, those she grew up and lived close to are working to support her children Ellis Golightly, 20, and Ethan Golightly, 16, as they begin to come to terms with their loss as they share the message: “Always and forever Mam, you diamond.”
Manor House Funerals is covering the cost of her service after Sam died peacefully in her sleep, while funds are being raised to support the siblings, with more than £1,000 collected within hours.
Sam’s former partner and father to their children, Paul Levitt, said: “Samantha you were the biggest part of my life for over 20 years, the mother to my beautiful son and daughter Ellis and Ethan.
"I am devastated, lost for words about this, the saddest news ever.
"We had a lot of great times together, funny, sad, happy, mad times. I will remember and take these with me forever.
"Ellis and Ethan will make you so proud of them I promise, they love you so much as we all do.
"You are at rest now Sam but gone far too soon, back In the loving arms of your mam Bev, Uncle John, Granda Murph and Nana Shirley.
"Till we meet again Sam, with all my heart fly high with them all, RIP.”
Her Aunt Lynn added: “She was so kind, if she had two chips on her plate she would give you one,” while another family member said: “Her smile was as bright as her suntan - her heart will shine on.”
Sam’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 15, at 12.30pm at Sunderland Crematorium, with people welcome to turn out on the estate to help celebrate her life as she leaves the family home, with her children saying: “She was so loved by many and it would be warming for her and us to see that.”
She will have a white coffin, which she had said she wanted to show off her tan, and people have been asked to wear touches of red or blue.
Jolene Casey, who runs Pulp Kitchen deli, off Ramillies Road, has been working
with other kind-hearted people from the estate to set up the fund.
She said: “For me, it’s the community spirit, the whole community has been devastated by this and for her children
and her family. We put a tin on the counter and it had £50 in it within the hour, everybody’s just been doing what they can.
"We want to help the family.”
Any business who wants to support the fund can call the deli on (0191) 549 2403 while to make a donation, visit Help Jolene's Personal Emergency Fundraiser on Facebook.
Family and friends in Red House have produced banners urging people to donate to the funds as well as asking neighbours to join in a clapping tribute to Sam today at 6.30pm.