Charlotte Cordell Murphy, 72, passed away peacefully in her home on January 16, 2026.
She was born on December 5, 1953, in Newport, Arkansas, to Paul and Mildred Cordell.
In her younger years, Charlotte was known as a spicy soul—outgoing, fun-loving, and full of life. If Charlotte was in the room, there was a party, and she was often the heart of it. With her bright, beautiful smile and fearless honesty, she was never at a loss for words and never shy about speaking her mind.
Charlotte’s early years were often marked by chaos and uncertainty, shaping her into a woman of resilience and independence. She learned to look after herself and do the best she could to survive and move forward. Along the way, she was blessed with many friends and family who loved her dearly and were always willing to offer her a safe place to land.
At a young age, Charlotte became the proud mother of her first son, Kenneth Thaxton II, whom she loved fiercely. Years later, she welcomed two more sons, Luke Thomas and Kyle Thomas. Her boys were the pride of her life, and she did the very best she knew how to raise them, protect them, and love them with all her heart.
Charlotte’s life was changed forever at a Charity event one Sunday morning on a sidewalk in August 2005 when she met Dan Murphy, who became the love of her life. They were married April 6, 2006, and together they built a life filled with adventure and companionship. During their marriage, Charlotte and Dan shared a love of travel—taking motorcycle trips, boating, spending time at the lakes in Michigan, and traveling in their RV with their beloved English bulldog, Roxy. With Dan in her life, Charlotte experienced what it truly meant to be deeply loved, honored, and cherished—as a woman and as a soulmate.
As life went on, Charlotte found even greater joy with the birth of each of her seven grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. She worshiped the ground they walked on and was deeply proud of everything they did. Charlotte felt genuinely loved by each one of her beautiful grandchildren, and they brought her a happiness beyond measure. These children were the greatest gifts her sons could ever have given her, and she was so very proud of all of them.
Family meant everything to Charlotte. Her Cordell family was quite large, and she—and many others—lovingly referred to them as a “TRIBE.” You mess with one, you deal with all. She and her sisters, known as the “Ette” sisters – Paulette, Jeanette, and Charlotte – were a force to be reckoned with, and Charlotte was proudly the “spice” of the trio. She carried deep pride in her Cordell roots and cherished the strong family bond shared among so many.
Charlotte was also blessed with many close friends—those who stood beside her throughout her life and became her solid rock through both the good times and the hard ones. They gave her a home when she had none and loved her when she felt alone, forsaken, and unlovable. Women like Pat Shoffner & Connie Waters, they are a rare treasure, and Charlotte was truly blessed to have them walk beside her all these years.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mildred (Richards) Cordell; her sisters, Paulette Jones and Jeanette Hare; and her brother, Allen Cordell. Her beloved English Bulldogs, Roxy & Harley.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dan Murphy; her sons, Kenneth Thaxton II and wife, Amy, Luke Thomas, and Kyle Thomas; her seven cherished grandchildren, Graham Thomas, Jessie, Anna & Presley Thaxton; Harper, Austin, & Emersyn Thomas; her brothers, Steve Cordell (Nancy) of Newport, Arkansas, and Carl Cordell of Texas; her sister-in-law, Pat Cordell of Tuckerman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply and will forever cherish her memory.
Charlotte lived boldly, loved fiercely, and left her mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit, strength, and passion for life will never be forgotten.
Memorial services are on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
