More than 300 gather to remember ‘Tabbee’

CHARLESTON – You didn’t have to know her well, you only had to see her smile to know she was special.

That was the consensus among the more than 300 family and friends who gathered Monday at the Charleston Pentecostal Church to celebrate and remember Tabitha “Tabbee” Murphy, who was struck by a car and killed last week.

“I only had her for 15 years, but she lived more in those 15 years than I have in my 36,” Tabbee’s mother, Alice Murphy, said.

Tabbee was on her way to cheerleading practice when the accident occurred, and police still are investigating the incident. No charges have been filed against the driver.

“I never saw Tabbee without that beautiful smile,” her uncle and godfather, Kevin Gregory, said. “She always gave her all in everything she tried.”

It was apparent Monday that Tabbee touched the lives of many as person after person stood and recalled memories and stories about the girl who loved cheerleading, playing her guitar, spending time with friends and family – and food.

“She will forever be loved,” Tabbee’s friend Hannah Schaller said. “You’d talk to her once and you’d never forget her for the rest of your life.”

Al Cooper said before the service that his son Christopher had met Tabbee in October. Like many of those who came in contact with the vibrant Central High School sophomore, Chris quickly became Tabbee’s friend.

“I got to meet this beautiful person, but only for a few hours,” Al Cooper, of Millinocket, said. “I just knew she had a glow that attracted people.”

Twenty-seven teens spent the night at the Murphy’s house Saturday night helping her parents and sister, Jerica, who is a senior at Central High School, make posters covered with pictures and messages that lined the front of the church.

“One of the most beautiful things I’ve seen is the outpouring of people,” Tabbee’s father, Charlie Murphy Jr., said.

Her family and friends made sure that pink balloons, Tabbee’s favorite color, adorned the sanctuary, and many of them wore the color at Monday’s service.

A box in the lobby of the church overflowed with messages for Tabbee, written by friends and family. Donations also were taken for the Tabitha Murphy Safe Walk Home Scholarship Fund.

Two bus drivers volunteered to supervise students after school and then transport them to the service.

To close the more than two-hour service, Tabbee’s cousin and friend Kurston Kelly played “Amazing Grace” on acoustic guitar while those in attendance sang two verses of the hymn. Tabbee had learned to play the song just before she died.

“She always had a free spirit. She was always laughing, outgoing,” Kelly said, noting the grin on Tabbee’s face that just wouldn’t come off.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say I loved her when I first met her, I still love her, and I’ll love her again.”