Judith Wilbanks Obituary

Judith Elaine Prescott Wilbanks, lovingly known to all as "Mama Wil," passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 28, 2025, in New Albany, Mississippi.

Born on D-Day, June 6, 1944, in Los Angeles, Judy was the daughter of George Oliver Prescott and Evelyn Adalyn Rulon Prescott.

On June 17, 1961, she married the love of her life, William Hall Wilbanks, Jr. Her unwavering support of his lifelong career in coaching, teaching, and school administration was a defining part of her life, and she proudly wore the name "Mrs. Coach Wilbanks."

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she rarely missed a sporting event involving her grandchildren. She was also deeply committed to her church family and community. A longtime member of First Methodist Church of New Albany, she served faithfully on numerous church boards and was a cherished member of the Friendship Sunday School Class.

She treasured her weekly Bridge games with close friends and was known for her quick wit, gentle spirit, and servant's heart.

Judy graduated from New Albany High School in 1962 and earned her degree in Speech Pathology from The University of Mississippi. She began her career as a speech pathologist for the Union County School System and later served as Regional Director of the North Division of the Mississippi Medicaid Commission, retiring with more than 28 years of service. She most recently retired after 15 years as the beloved church secretary of First Methodist Church.

Visitation was held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Methodist Church in New Albany, Mississippi.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, in the sanctuary of the First Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Tim Prather and Bro. Chris Carter officiating. United Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. A private burial will follow in New Albany Cemetery.

Survivors of her loving family include daughters, Debbie Wilbanks Cherry and husband Dave of New Albany, Mississippi, Diane Wilbanks Beck and husband Jerry B. Jr. of Glen, Mississippi.

Grandchildren include Jake Beck and wife Charle of Bentonia, Mississippi; Will Cherry and wife Hanna; Kimball Beck; Ben Cherry and wife Claire; and Matt Cherry, all of New Albany, Mississippi.

Great Grandchildren include Wyatt and Case Cherry of New Albany, Mississippi and Jackson Beck of Bentonia, Mississippi.

She leaves behind a brother, Eddy Prescott of New Albany, Mississippi and a sister, Sheryl Prescott Aldridge of Blue Springs, Mississippi, and many cousins who she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a loving husband of forty-five years, William Hall Wilbanks Jr., and the spouses of her siblings.

Pallbearers are her grandsons Jake Beck, Will Cherry, Ben Cherry, and Matt Cherry; her nephews Bill Prescott, Joey Aldridge, Chad Aldridge and Tracey Burgeson.

Special thanks to her friends and nieces, Laurie Prescott, Ellen Prescott, Janet Burgeson, Tracey Aldridge, Janet Aldridge and Frankie Prescott, for their continuous love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Methodist Church of New Albany Missions Endowment, 207 East Bankhead Street; New Albany, Mississippi 38652; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.