Brenda Gail Wilbanks Owen, 65, resident of the Ripley Community and beloved wife of Sammy Owen, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Friday January 12, 2018 at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
Funeral Services celebrating the life of Brenda will be at 2 PM Monday January 15 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with her nephew, Rev. Jody Hill, pastor of The Ripley Presbyterian Church, officiating. A longtime friend, Rose Lewellen of Ripley, will provide special music selections. Burial will follow in the Tippah Memorial Gardens.
Born October 22, 1952 in Ripley, Brenda was the daughter of the late Elton and Gladys Huddleston Wilbanks. She received her education in the Ripley School System and was a lifelong resident of Tippah County. She was married on June 2, 1984 to her devoted husband Sammy Lee Owen, retired partner in the BenchCraft Corporation, who survives.
A Christian and of the Baptist faith, Brenda will be remembered by many for her ever present smile, her warm personality and zest for life. Sharing, loving, inspiring and encouraging were her gifts to those dear to her.
Brenda had an unending love for her large family who will celebrate her full life with the knowledge that she is with her Heavenly Father. Her memories will forever be carried by all that knew her and we all know that it’s never a goodbye, it’s only “until next time.”
Visitation for Brenda will continue Monday from 12 Noon until 2 PM at The Ripley Funeral Home.
In addition to her husband of 34 years, Brenda is survived by her children, Kim Benson (Tommy) of Ripley, Kye Childs (Amanda) of Falkner, Suzi Oliphant (David) of Nashville, TN and Jody Owen of Marathon, FL, three sisters, Darlyne Thompson of Ripley, Barbara McElwain (Johnny) and Sherry Hill (Gerald) both of Falkner, Larry Wilbanks (Martha) of Falkner and Danny Wilbanks of Ripley, her aunt Maxine Tomlinson of Sardis, nine wonderful grandchildren, Carlee Harrell (Tyler), Brooke Ann and Teigh Benson, Kyleigh, Morgan Grace and Clara Childs, Philip, Cody and Samantha Oliphant, three great grandchildren, Gage and Bo Harrell and Marynn Reddout .
Brenda was also preceded in death by a brother in law, Mac Thompson, Jr.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be her nephews, Mickey Hill, Richie Hopper, John McElwain, Todd McElwain, Justin Thompson, Jase Wilbanks, Kevin Wilbanks and Zach Wilbanks.
The family request that memorials be directed to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, 848 Adams Ave. Memphis, TN 38103 or St. Jude Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve Mrs. Brenda’s family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.
