Haley Brooke Wilbanks

Family and friends of Haley Brooke Wilbanks, 25, of Walnut, lovingly known as “Red”, will celebrate her life at 2:00 P M on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Jesus Name Community Church in Walnut, MS, where she was a member. Visitation for friends will begin on Saturday evening, November 10, 2018 at 5:00 P M at Jesus Name Community Church. Haley was born on June 19, 1993 and made sure she was the center of a large, loving family, all of whom are devastated. Although her parents, Larry and Donna Wilbanks of Walnut, MS, never made a difference in their four daughters, Haley Brooke was their baby and they have suffered a void that will never be replaced. Haley was not only beautiful, but a light to all who knew her. She cared for those around her – from her St. Jude children to the sweet elderly patient whom she would sit and pray for. Haley and her sisters; Danielle Bailey of Crestview, FL, Courtney Sanford of New Albany, MS and Kayla Gutzler of Walnut, MS, had a bond like no other. They were not only sisters, but best friends. Whether it was the volleyball court or late night Disney movies, they have always been inseperable, and had a love that could not be denied. They will forever cherish her memory. Sometimes you may not grow up with your “sisters” they may become a part of your “family” later in life. After all, it’s not the blood that makes you family, but your relationship. Jennifer Scyoc was one of those “sisters” who has always been there for Haley and her sisters and they love her deeply. Other special “sisters” are Angel Chesser and Lindsay Dickman. Some may be blood, some may not be, but all had a special place in Haley’s heart. Haley was “Aunt Red” to five handsome nephews, Brayden Bailey, Klein, Easton and Kade Sanford and Magnus Gutzler, and two beautiful nieces, Heidee Sanford and Kynslee Bailey. She loved them with all of her heart and was so proud to be their “Aunt Red”. Haley was blessed to have other “special nieces and nephews” who may or may not have been blood: Cole Dickman and Rylie Dickman. Aunt Red loved to play and sing “Never Grow UP” from Peter Pan to them. Although Haley had no biological brothers, her brothers-in-law, Scott Bailey, Adrian Sanford, and Nick Gutzler filled that spot to a tee. She loved to tease them and they did her. Those guys protected her and watched over her just like she was their little sister. Haley also leaves behind her Granny, Mary Blunt of Iuka, MS. Her Granny made sure she was a big part of Haley’s life, from traveling to Knoxville for Christian School Competition, ballgames at Walnut, church plays or family gatherings, Granny was always there for her. Haley adored working as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Magnolia Regional Health Center, where she had been the past couple of years. The friends she made there were like her extended family and she made a point to tell everyone how much she loved her job. Lee Anna Jarnigan and Rebecca McCulla were two of her closest friends whom she loved dearly. Ministers conducting Haley’s Celebration of Life will be Bishop Gary Porterfield, Pastor Cory Porterfield, Rev. Jacob Lovelace, Rev. Jesse Cutrer and Rev. Sam Manuel. Pallbearers are Jake Gray, Justin Gray, Grant Gaar, Payton Lollar, Shane Chessor and Josh Bateman. Honorary Pallbearers are Austin Lemons, Matt Wilbanks, Tripp Goolsby, Jake Bateman, Gaither Barnes and Jimmy Dillenger. Preceding Haley in death were her grandparents, Joseph and Gladys Wilbanks of Walnut, MS, Jimmie Blunt of Tishomingo, MS and cousin, Kevin Wilbanks of Walnut, MS. Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Haley Brooke Wilbanks.