Shirley Faye Wilbanks Embrey, 67

August 16, 1957 – January 28, 2025

“Gathering flowers for the Master’s bouquet, beautiful flowers that will never decay; gathered by angels and carried away; forever to bloom in the Master’s bouquet.” ~Kitty Wells

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Shirley Faye Wilbanks Embrey, 67, resident of Union County, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, following a brief illness.

Per the request of her family, Mrs. Shirley’s service will be private.

Mrs. Shirley was born on August 16, 1957, in Tippah County, to the late Raymond Charles and Evea Irene Sides Wilbanks.  She received her education from the South Tippah School System and was of the Baptist faith.

Born with the love of crafting, she enjoyed making all types of jewelry, purses, and clothing for family, as well as her canine companions.  She enjoyed taking drives, engaging in conversations on the CB radio, and displaying her numerous tattoos, which reflected her unique approach to mourning. Mrs. Shirley was humorous and enjoyed life, but she also possessed a fiery temperament. She was unreserved in expressing her opinions and communicated her thoughts directly, you never had to wonder what was on her mind.  She cherished her family, friends, and devoted canine companions, and her absence will be deeply felt by everyone.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of four and a half years, Jody Embrey, five sisters, Diane Keenum of Falkner, Kay Wilbanks of Tennessee, Patty Sue Jeter (Greg), Lisa Lewis and Inez Winkles all of Ripley, three brothers, Billy Wilbanks (Barbara) and Terry Wilbanks both of Ripley, and Jerry Wilbanks (Samantha) of Ashland, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one uncle, Walter Sides of Ripley, her three canine companions, Larry, Sapphire, and Cornbread and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by two sons, Charles and Adam Gray, and a brother, James Albert Wilbanks.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Shirley Wilbanks Embrey family.

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