Omari Bricent Murphy

Omari Bricent Murphy was born on June 2, 1976, in Atlanta, Georgia, and departed this life on December 18, 2025. He was the beloved son of the late Eddie Brice and Ellen Dyanne Newman Murphy and the brother of Aubri Murphy. Following the death of his parents, Omari and Aubri were lovingly raised by their uncle and aunt, Johnny and Margarette Bryson—affectionately known as Daddy B and Mama B—alongside Brandi and the family cat, Misty. Omari was known for his curiosity, generosity, and ability to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life.

Omari attended Continental Colony Elementary School, Pathway Christian School, and Riverdale High School where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams. He earned a degree in Marketing with a minor in Business Administration from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. A lifelong learner and leader, he was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and a dedicated Scout with Pack and Troop 532, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating college, Omari returned to Pack and Troop 532 as a Scout Master.

Omari began his professional career as a manager with Sherwin-Williams in 1996 before transitioning into education with Atlanta Public Schools. He initially served as an assigned substitute at Brown Middle School and later held permanent teaching positions at Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High School. While living in the Dominican Republic for the past decade, Omari founded and operated Barrio Tours de Boca Chica and a beachside restaurant, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and love for cultural exchange. In 2021, he returned to education as Head of the English Department at Notre Dame School in Santo Domingo, a role he held until returning to the United States. Across education, entrepreneurship, and international service, Omari consistently invested in people and community. He mentored and taught people of all ages, in school and in life, sharing his

knowledge with anyone who would listen.

The apples of Omari’s eye were his beautiful children, Esmeralda “Eme” age 10 and Brice age 8. They grew up in the Dominican Republic, playing in the sun and swimming in the ocean. Omari took great pride in ensuring they were bilingual and deeply connected to their heritage. Their summer visits to the United States were not vacations alone, but fact-finding journeys and living history lessons. He instilled in them the same values he was taught as a child: to withhold judgment, to lead with kindness, and to treat others with respect.

Omari was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Brice and Ellen Dyanne Newman Murphy; his sister, Brigitte Murphy Davenport; his paternal grandparents, J.B. and Christine Murphy; his maternal grandparents, Hamp and Aileen Newman Haynes; his uncles Romeo Murphy, Bobby Murphy, David Murphy, Harry Murphy, James Newman, John Newman, Dorsey Newman Jr., and Bobby Newman; and his aunts Gladys Freeman (Cornelius), Bernice Dozier, Sandra Murphy, Mary Frances Hearns (Phalandus), and Dot Blue.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, Eme and Brice; Wanda Mejia, the mother of his children; his step-up parents, Johnny “Daddy B” and Margarette “Mama B” Bryson; his brothers Eddie Jr. Murphy and Sean Murphy (LaKiesha); his sisters Aubri Murphy (Matt Aspey) and Brandi Bryson Dixon (Darrell); his uncles J.B. Murphy Jr., Walter Scott Murphy, and Clinton “Bobo” Murphy (Arthea); his aunts Vivian Murphy, Phyllis Newman, Connie Newman, Lynn Newman, and Mardi Haynes-Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Omari will be deeply missed and remembered with love and respect.

Funeral services for Omari Bricent Murphy will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 3646 Hogan Road SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30331. Family and Friends are asked to assemble at the church by 11:30am. Reverend Jarmon Gray is officiating. Viewing is available from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, one hour prior to the beginning of the service.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Willie Watkins Funeral Home, Historic West End Chapel, 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310. Family hour is 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM with Harry M. Daniels, Esquire, officiating.

Boy Scout Pack and Troop 532, serving as Pallbearers, are asked to assemble at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM.

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