A Legacy of Love: Growing Up in a Blended Family with Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of The CoCo Blend Podcast, host Jamie Newton-Knight welcomes her first-ever guest who experienced blended family life as a child — Dr. Samantha.So often, the conversations on The CoCo Blend center around moms, bonus moms, and co-parents. But this time, Jamie flips the script to hear from someone who lived it. Dr. Samantha shares how growing up in a blended family shaped her perspective on love, cooperation, and legacy.She opens up about the positive relationships between her parents and step-parents, the importance of support systems, and how intentional parenting helped create an environment where love truly overflowed. Together, Jamie and Dr. Samantha remind us that the beauty of blending is not just in how families are formed — but in how children thrive when adults choose unity over ego.Key Takeaways:Dr. Samantha grew up in a blended family — and didn’t even realize it because love came first.Cooperation among parents builds emotional safety for children.Support systems and intentional choices create lasting impact.A child’s joy should be a higher priority than adult differences.The legacy of love we build today shapes generations to come.🎧 Listen now to hear this inspiring conversation that proves blended doesn’t mean broken — it means beautifully built with love and intention.About Dr. Samantha Wilson MurfreeDr. Samantha Wilson Murfree, a proud Mississippi native, is a distinguished leader in higher education, ministry, and community service. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Tougaloo College, an M.A. in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from the University of Georgia. In 2022, she furthered her calling by completing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries at Liberty University.With nearly three decades of higher education experience, Dr. Murfree currently serves as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Mercer University. She is also the Founder and CEO of Prevailing Woman Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit serving women and teens in need, and the author of four inspirational books, including The Prevailing Woman: A Devotional.Her leadership and service have earned her multiple honors, including the 2021 Woman of Achievement Award from the Career Women’s Network, the 2023 Women on the Move Award from the Tubman Museum, and the 2024 Uplift Our Community Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.An active community leader, Dr. Murfree has served on several local boards and is a member of the Macon (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Licensed in ministry at Beulahland Bible Church, she shares her life with her husband of 16 years, Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr., their two granddaughters, and their beloved poodle, Zoe Chanel.Support the showI'm here to support you. 🤲🏾Need support navigating your coparenting journey?Schedule a complimentary call:https://form.typeform.com/to/NJggSO? 💌 Stay Connected:Loved this episode? Here’s how you can support and stay in the loop:✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode✅ Leave a review — it helps other mamas find the show✅ Share this with a fellow mama who needs encouragement🔗 Connect with Jamie:Instagram & TikTok: @blendedblackfamilyWebsite: www.thecocoblend.com