Shavon "Voni" Nicole Murrell

Shavon Nicole Murrell was born May 13, 1981, to Clarence Edward Murrell (deceased) and Gail Louise Murrell.  The third of four children, she departed this life for her heavenly home on January 11, 2022, after fighting and conquering the many battles that come with having a chronic illness. She truly fought the fight of faith.  

Shavon was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and graduated from Edward Bok Vocational High School. She furthered her education at Community College of Philadelphia, earning an Associates Degree in Computer Science and then her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Philadelphia University.

Shavon prided herself on having the keen ability to put things together and form a masterpiece. Whether she was “blinging out” a pair of converses or designing custom invitations and programs for friends and family, she did it in depth and with precision.  

Her love of organization led the pathway for her to further explore real estate through Keller Williams Millwood Real Estate Group where she was licensed as a realtor in six months and successfully sold several homes within her first year. She simultaneously worked for Renew Dialysis as the Director of Operations Support until the time of her death. Shavon didn’t mind arduous work and was fierce.

She carried that passion for organization and married it with education when she worked at George Wharton Pepper Middle School, advocating for children. Her ultimate goal was to ensure that the disparities minority children encountered, were lessened with a voice that would not be silenced on their behalf.

Grounded in family through the connection of prayer, the foundation of faith was laid early in life for the South Philly native. The hymns, songs and prayers learned in a household of love took on a whole new meaning when she accepted Christ at an early age. She conquered fears and victoriously went through trials and tribulations with the Lord as her anchor.

Shavon was style and class personified from head to toe! She was an avid shopper who loved make up, eyebrows, lashes, jewelry, hats and shoes (oh my!) She loved the beach, peppermint bark, Oreo cookie milkshakes, Twizzlers, crabs, (all things food) and Christmas. Her love of giving made it easy around the holiday to spoil herself and her children. Her love of Jesus, as the reason for the season, made it easy to spoil others.

Shavon was a beautiful, bright soul whose smile lit up the room. Her impact on this world was great; not just because of her cancer journey, but because Shavon loved people and people loved Shavon. She never met a stranger. It was no surprise that Shavon became a mother because of the way she cared and nurtured souls. Her genuine concern for the well-being of others is rooted in empathy, kindness, encouragement, protection, anticipation of needs and love.

While attending Community College of Philadelphia, she became smitten, and her life was ever changed with the birth of first son Chayse Kenyon Benson and later with her daughter, Carsyn Siobhan Murrell, Her children’s middle names reflect the legacy she intended to continue for generations.

She leaves to continue her legacy, her son, Chayse Kenyon and daughter, Carsyn Siobhan Murrell. Bonus children, Nia and Jaden Lazenbury, mother, Gail Murrell, sister, Stacey, sister-cousin, Nadiya, brothers Shannon Murrell and Ronel Smack (Kelly). Goddaughters, Shafeeqa and Shania Abraham. Uncles, Raymond, Frederick (Cynthia), James, Reginald. Aunts, Detra, Mary, Delores, Donna and Crystal. Niece, Skyler Brooks and nephew Torrence Hemingway and a host of beloved cousins, friends, best friends forever, Waldron Mercy Academy moms, life-long friend Kenyon Benson and special friend, Marvin Lazenbury.

*She is preceded in death by her brother, Shafeeq Murrell.

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