Jean Elizabeth Brown Wilbanks, 85

January 14, 1940 – May 31, 2025

Jean Elizabeth Brown Wilbanks, age 85, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, May 31, 2025, wrapped in the love of her family, in the comfort of her home — just the way she would have wanted it.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home. Bro. Bobby Goode will bring the message, and her son, Robby, will share personal reflections. Visitation will be Thursday evening, June 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Ripley Funeral Home and will continue Friday morning from 9 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery, with a graveside service, weather permitting.

Born January 14, 1940, in the quiet countryside near Ashland, Mississippi, Jean was the daughter of the late Hubert Allan and Luna Lexie Jones Brown. Receiving her education from Ashland High School, she married her soulmate, Curtis Randall Wilbanks, on January 25, 1956. Their love story spanned decades, rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising six wonderful children.

For seventeen years, Jean served her community through her business, Jean’s Jewelry, Crafts, and Florist, offering beauty and comfort to those around her—whether in celebration or sorrow. She had a special gift for knowing just what someone needed, whether it was the perfect floral arrangement or a kind word on a hard day.

Jean’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was the heart and soul of her home—a steady presence, a quiet strength, and the warm arms that held generations together. She had a deep and abiding love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing made her prouder than seeing their lives flourish. From birthday calls to holiday gatherings, from wise advice to simple hugs, her love was constant, unwavering, and unconditional.

A devoted Christian and lifelong member of New Life Pentecostal Church in Ripley, Jean’s faith was the foundation of everything she did. She lived her life by example—rooted in grace, guided by prayer, and anchored in the promises of God. She was quick-witted and strong in spirit, unafraid to speak her truth but always with love. Her Bible was well-worn, her prayers steady, and her belief in the goodness of the Lord never once shaken.

She was also well-loved beyond her family and church. Whether it was sharing smiles at the local Huddle House—where the staff considered her part of their own—or keeping her perfect driving record spotless (a badge of honor she wore proudly), Jean brought kindness, humility, and humor wherever she went.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” – Proverbs 31:28-29

Jean Wilbanks leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fierce love—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Her love was the kind that never ends, and her memory will be a guiding light for generations to come.

Those left to cherish memories include three daughters, Charlotte Gregory(Patrick), Theresa Wilson(Murry), and Carrie Gilliand(Sean), three sons, Randy Wilbanks, Robby Wilbanks(Rhonda), and Mike Wilbanks(Rachel), two sisters, Joann Coakley and Elizabeth Montgomery, one brother, Allen Brown, Jr., twelve grandchildren, Brittanie Settlemires, Chelsea Conlee, Ashley Brewer, Caiden Britt, Tristan Barrows, McKenzie Barrows, Coen Barrows, Robby Joe Wilbanks, Chad Wilbanks, Disney Sparks, Megan Wilbanks, and Dillon Wilbanks, sixteen great grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa, Casen, Drake, Terry Jr, Zoe, Kenzie, Destiny, Bailey, Styker, Blaze, Dax, Haze, Sutton, Parker, and Kara, one great great grandchild, Browning, and her two canine companions, Dixie and Daisy.

In addition to her beloved husband, Mr. Curtis, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Effie Wilbanks and Paulette Ray, and one brother, Allen Brown.

Ripely Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Jean’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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