Emberly Jo Hurst

Emberly Jo Hurst, 36, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Emberly was born on July 5, 1990, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to William "Sparky" Hurst and Debra Bryant Hurst. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Katy, Texas, where she attended Katy Independent School District schools and graduated from Cinco Ranch High School in 2009. Following high school, Emberly participated in No Limits Allowed, a vocational and life-skills training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities founded by her beloved teacher and coach, Don Wolf.

Emberly proudly competed with the Katy Wolf Pack Special Olympics team. Over the years, she participated in track and field, bocce, basketball, and cheerleading. The Katy Wolf Pack became an extended family, and the friendships she made there remained close to her heart after she moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, in 2020.

In August 2021, Emberly became part of the Wings Special Needs Community, where she attended the day program and was a member of the Wings Social Club. She also cheered with the Cheer 4 Christ Bravehearts, embracing every opportunity to participate and incorporate her own moves into routines.

Emberly found joy in listening to music, watching YouTube videos featuring her favorite singers, movies, skincare routines, Disney news, and The Golden Girls. She loved to dance, spend time with family and friends, celebrate every occasion, and never passed up a happy hour with a Diet Coke or Shirley Temple.

Those who knew Emberly will forever remember her infectious smile, unmistakable sass, quick wit, joyful dance moves, unforgettable "Emberlyisms," and, above all, her extraordinary hugs. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved. If Emberly cared about you, you never had to wonder—you felt it in every smile, every hug, and every moment spent together. Her loving spirit brought light and joy wherever she went.

Emberly is survived by her mother, Debra "Debbie" Hurst of Edmond; her special “friend-sister” Rachel Hunter Bushyhead; her grandmother, Mary Bryant of Weatherford; her aunts and spouses, Marilyn (Chuck) Marquis of Weatherford and Cathy (Mark) Shadid of Norman; her cousins, Derek Williamson of Meridian; Brooke (Nate) Moore and their children, Ryder, Bray, Ransom, and Bria Jarvis of Yukon; Tyler Shadid and Megan Kempher of Oklahoma City; Trent (Anna) and daughter Colette of Memphis, TN; Noah (Tracey) Farris and daughter Paige of Virginia Beach, VA; Wyatt (Kelsey) Williamson and son Dane of Mountain View; and Reese (Gracie) Williamson and their children, Bentley and Houston, of Watonga. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Elsa, along with many cherished relatives and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her father, William "Sparky" Hurst; her grandparents, Bobby Bryant, Artie Hurst, and Lura Sanders Hurst; her aunt, Tammy Hurst Farris; and her cousins, Brian Land and Michael Fitzgerald.

Services are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home at 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, Oklahoma. Those wishing to honor Emberly's memory may make memorial donations to Wings Special Needs Community, 1349 E. Wilshire Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (www.wingsok.org).

Emberly lived with a joyful heart and loved without reservation. Her kindness, laughter, enthusiasm for life, and ability to make everyone feel special will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she shared and the happiness she brought to so many will remain her lasting legacy.

Interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Oklahoma beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Services will be held following the interment, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Crossings Community Church located here.

To view the livestream of the service please follow this link: https://vimeo.com/event/6040009/06dac390c9