Donna "Sharee" Murphy Anika

Donna “Sharee” Murphy Anika, 72, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and Mimi, faithful servant of the Lord, and lifelong educator whose love for children shaped countless lives. Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, service, and unconditional love.

Born on April 19, 1953, to Charles Earl Murphy and Imogene Yarbrough Murphy, Sharee was raised with strong Christian values that guided her throughout her life. She was a graduate of DeRidder High School and McNeese State University, where God prepared her for a lifelong calling to teach and nurture children.

Sharee devoted many years to education, teaching second grade at Carver Elementary School and Rosepine Elementary School. She faithfully served as the First Baptist Church Weekday Preschool Director and later returning to education as a Preschool Teacher at K.R. Hanchey. Teaching was not just her profession, but her ministry. She poured God’s love into every child she encountered, believing each one was a precious gift from the Lord.

A woman of deep faith, Sharee was a member of New Life Baptist Church and was actively involved in children’s ministries at both First Baptist Church and New Life Baptist Church. She also shared her musical gifts as the organist for Texas Avenue Baptist Church and taught piano for many years, nurturing a love of music in her students.

Sharee found delight in God’s creation—planting flowers, watching birds, walking along the beach, and caring for her beloved dogs.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Norman L. Anika; her son, Jacob Anika and wife Dana; her daughter, Sarah Streets and husband Dustin; her treasured grandchildren, Addison McMillan, Ainsley Anika, Kohl Streets, Audrey Streets, Amelia Streets, and Stella Kate Anika; her brothers, Kenneth Earl Murphy and wife Rita, and Paul Owen Murphy; nephews, Ryan and wife Laura Murphy, Stephen and wife Brandi Murphy, John and wife Leah Murphy, and Elijah and wife Rebekah Murphy; great nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Myers Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:30pm. Visitation will begin from 1:30pm until the service at 3:30pm at Myers Colonial Funeral Home located in DeRidder, LA.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Allegiance Hospice Care, and to Tiffany and Angelle.

Though our hearts grieve her earthly absence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life. Sharee leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and service, and her life continues to speak through the many souls she guided toward Christ. She will be deeply missed until the day we are joyfully reunited in Heaven.