Emberly Jade Whitlock was born December 28th, 2022, at the Murray Intermountain Hospital to Quinten & Jordan Whitlock. She was born
with a rare genetic condition called Zellweger Syndrome. Due to her condition, she had many underlying issues – her lungs were failing and she was unable to eat properly. Consequently, at 2 months old she underwent surgery to place a tracheostomy and gastric tube. Her surgery was successful and she was able to breathe with the assistance of a ventilator and received nourishment through a feeding pump.
Despite these issues she was strong and resilient and gained enough strength to come home from the NICU after 63 days. She touched the lives of everyone around her and showed them what true strength and love looks like.
To bring her home, we had to learn how to take care of all of her medical needs. Even with Emberly’s limitations, we made it a priority to give her the fullest life we possibly could. She was able to go several places in her short time with us. She went to church, family events, car shows, on family walks, and even traveled to Oregon. Emberly experienced fireworks, parades, and picnics. She loved snuggle time with mom & dad and playing with her brother.
Throughout this time she had many hospital visits and admissions, doctors appointments, and therapy visits that included speech, occupational, physical, music, auditory, and even vision.
Even though she could not move, smile, or giggle like other babies she was able to teach us so much. Her strong, fiery spirit shone through reminding us she was a fighter and was in our lives for a purpose. She touched the lives of all around her and taught everyone what unconditional love really is. Emberly was a beacon of light and a testament to God’s true love.
Unfortunately, Emberly’s health declined and on July 23, 2023, she passed away peacefully at home in the arms of loved ones. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts and has changed our lives for the better.
Emberly is preceded in death by her grandpa Gregory Barnes and great-grandpa David Whitehead. She is survived by her parents Quinten Whitlock & Jordan (Barnes) Whitlock and her brother Oliver; grandparents Bryan & Darlene Whitlock, and Heather Hedgecock; great-grandparents Kevin & Joni Ison, Paul Barnes, Kevin & Debby Munk, and Bonnie Whitehead; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
We would like to express our gratitude to Primary Children’s Hospital; Rainbow Kids; Kids on the Move; Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind; Star Kids – with a special thanks to Parker and Maritza for their loving care; Intermountain Home Health and Hospice; Central Orem Clinic; and Walker Funeral Home. We express appreciation for all the love and support we have received from our family and friends. Words cannot convey the depth of our gratitude.
Family and friends may attend a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023 located at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 located at the Manti Cemetery. A memorial reception will be held after the graveside from 1:00-3:00 p.m. located at 575 South 400 West, Orem, Utah.
If you would like to donate to the family directly, you can do so via Venmo @ Q-Whitlock
The graveside service will be livestreamed through Facebook.
Please use this link to view it:
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