Idelle Teresa Murphy

Idelle Teresa Murphy, affectionately known to us as "Jotta," passed away peacefully July 27, 2026 at the age of 59.

Born on July 11, 1967, in Omaha, Nebraska, Jotta was the daughter of Elbert L. and Darlene A. Murphy. From her earliest days, she brought joy and rhythm into the world. As a toddler, she would dance and clap her hands to the 1918 jazz standard Ja-Da, a favorite song her mother lovingly played and sang to her.

Jotta grew up in Omaha, attending Highland Elementary, Indian Hill Junior High, and Bryan Senior High School. Her passion for learning and dedication to her education led her to Peru State College, National College, and Highland Community College.

A natural athlete with an unstoppable spirit, Jotta achieved an incredible milestone at the age of 30. Proving that she "still had it," she tried out for the UNO Lady Mavericks basketball team and earned a full-ride athletic scholarship. She proudly graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Continuing Studies.

Jotta lived life to the absolute fullest. She possessed a rare, welcoming spirit and never met a stranger—only friends she hadn't made yet. Born into a large, loving family, she was a central pillar of joy and connection for everyone who knew her. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her family, especially her beloved nieces and nephews. As she always loved to say, "Jotta loves the kids."

Jotta brought her sharp mind and dedication to a long and fulfilling career with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). She was a natural problem solver, a trait that defined her both in her professional and private life.

In her free time, Jotta enjoyed gaming, playing cards, and watching movies. But nothing brought her more excitement than cheering on her beloved Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys. One of her greatest joys was fulfilling a lifelong wish of traveling to Arlington, Texas, to see her Cowboys play live at AT&T Stadium. Her vibrant energy, fierce loyalty, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Darlene Murphy, brother, David J. Murphy and her niece, Simone Goods. Idelle is survived by her loving family, including her aunt, Teresa Rose; her brothers, Terry Blackburn, Anthony Robinson Sr. and Charles Murphy of Bellevue, Nebraska. Her sisters, Darlene Piercefield, J Pamela Murphy of Bellevue, NE, Lynn Hubbard of Omaha, Nebraska, Carrie (Ernest) Samuel of Stafford, Virginia, Dawn Murphy of Charlotte, NC and sister-in-law, Alycia Murphy of Las Vegas, NV. She leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Good Shepherd Funeral Home - L Street Chapel. Funeral Service on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Funeral Home - L Street Chapel. Repass to follow in the Good Shepherd Reception Hall.