As a military spouse, Shannon lived in Japan and California with her Navy husband and two boys. They are happy to be back in Corpus Christi. Shannon is a native of San Antonio and attended Texas A&M University where she received a M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning and a B.A. in Environmental Design. She has worked mainly in city planning and public involvement, but is now seeking connections with people in the community who can help the foster children in the Coastal Bend.

The Murphys worship and serve at Asbury UMC in Corpus Christi. Shannon has many Bible verses that have supported her and her family throughout the years, but the one she relies on the most is Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.