Our beloved Estella "Lea" Murchison died peacefully at the young age of 24 on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at the end of her hard-fought battle against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Lea was born February 1, 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee to Joi Lyles Murchison and Thomas J. Murchison. Lea was enrolled in Northwest Community College, studying to become a neonatal nurse. She assisted in the grand opening of the Walmart in Horn Lake, MS, where she remained a team member for more than five years.

Lea enjoyed celebrating holidays with her family and friends, recognizing there was never a bad time to enjoy a good cookout. Lea loved to dance, get her nails done, and appreciate the art of body-ink. She was an avid reader, an unapologetic TV binge watcher and a ruthless card-game player, but most of all, Lea was a dedicated and loving mom to her son Aiden. Lea enjoyed spending time with Aiden more than anything else, describing Aiden as the "best thing" that ever happened to her and, appropriately, her best friend. Among her many vibrant characteristics, we fondly remember her generous and loving heart, as well as her passion for volunteering with the homeless community. Lea always brightly shined her light on those around her.

In addition to Aiden, Lea is survived by her mother, Joi Patterson; Sisters, Melissa Murchison, Bonnie Rook and her husband Zachary Legg; four nieces and three nephews, including Kiera Aycock who grew up alongside Lea; her soulmate-friend, Jewels Hou ston; girlfriend, Ashlee Silvino; in-kind Stepdad, Ben Patterson; many close aunts, uncles and cousins; and a number of close friends who functioned as a second family. She is preceded in death by her father, Thomas "Jay" Murchison; brother, Timmy Rook and many family members and friends who undoubtedly welcomed her warmly into the gates of heaven.

Though Lea battled leukemia for a year, she never allowed herself to be defined by it. She continued to enjoy life throughout her treatment, spending time at the beach, face-timing her friends, reading, beating her Mom at 10,000, and making herself available to encourage and celebrate those she loved.

It is the family's hope that Lea's journey will bring awareness to AML and encourage all to love one another fully, as Lea did. She is described by family and friends as authentic, strong, loving, charismatic and fun. While her battle with cancer was a private one, she was well supported by those who love her, trending #LeaStrong through her journey. Our memories of Lea will be cherished, and she will be missed by all.

Services to celebrate Lea's life will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at SouthPoint Church, 2010 Stateline Road West, Southaven, MS 38671. Given Lea's extensive network, we will be opening the service to family and friends, however masks will be required for the duration of the service without exception. For those wishing to send flowers, they may be sent to SouthPoint Church Friday the 23 ^rd from 3pm to 7pm or Saturday the 24 ^th after 9am. Please continue to keep Lea's family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.