In a tragic incident in northwest Memphis on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, Paula Appleberry, 54, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, lost her life in a hail of gunfire while driving her grandkids home from a birthday party.
According to Tierney Irby, who was a passenger in the car and Appleberry’s daughter, the vehicle, carrying two children and a 7-month-old baby, was struck by gunshots, leading to a chaotic sequence of events.
“I just hear gunshots. And I said, ‘Go mama, go! Speed up, let’s get out of here,'” Irby recounted to a local media outlet. “I felt her speed up. I didn’t realize that she had been hit already. So while we were speeding up, we also were going off road and that’s when we ended up hitting the pole.”
Tragically, Appleberry succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while three children and a 25-year-old woman sustained injuries in the shooting and subsequent crash.
Family members, coworkers from General Electric, and community members gathered to mourn Appleberry’s passing at a balloon release in Mississippi.
Describing her mother, Irby said Appleberry was a genuine, loyal, and peaceful person.
“She was a God-fearing woman. She was the sweetest lady,” Irby said. “You always enjoyed to see her smile, when she smiled it lights up the room with those chubby cheeks.”
Memphis Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, revealing that the suspects fled the scene in a white sedan. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
In response to the tragic loss, Appleberry’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to honor her memory and support her children during this difficult time, emphasizing the need to celebrate her life and provide the farewell she deserves as she “goes on home with her Precious Lord.”
