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Emily Denby

Passed 11/11/2020

Obituary For Emily Denby

Emily Shambley Denby, 63, passed away at her home Nov 11,2020. Emily was born August 10th 1956 in New Bern NC. Emily was a very special person. Not only a great wife, but a good friend to many. She and Rick were married for over thirty years and were very close (kindred spirits) so to speak. She was always willing to do the next right thing in service of others. Emily had wide interests; she loved cooking, going to cooking classes and going to nice restaurants. She would often say she didn't like a lot of food, but she loved good food. A lot of friends would agree that Emily was a great cook. Another passion of Emily's was scuba diving. She received her certification in 2000 and did lots of diving. Emily was also a very spiritual person. She loved and trusted God. She did her best to follow His will one day at a time. She loved living a happy, joyous and free life. She will be loved and missed and thought of often. I'm sure she and our friend Bill will be looking down with smiles. We will miss you Emily. Emily is predeceased by her parents William and Yvonne Shambley and brother Larry Andrews. Emily is survived by her husband Rick Denby where they lived in Durham for over thirty years; daughter Cristy Duffy (Cris), who lives in New Bern; sister Jane Whitford (Richard) of Bridgeton NC and brother George Shambley and his wife Wendy who reside in Mt. Airy, Maryland and nephew Brent Whitford who also lives in New Bern.


Condolences & Tributes

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It was always a pleasure to dive and hang out with Emily and Rick in Cozumel. I was very shocked and saddened to hear about Emily passing. My sympathies to Rick and all their extended family. Emily was a wonderful person, and she will be missed. - Richard Lewison

My name is Francisco Marrufo. I was Emily´s dive master for most of the time that she came with Rick to Cozumel. she was not one more diver. she was a very special person for me and all the personel of the dive shop Scuba Cozumel. we miss her so much. she was so kind. such a nice person. a very special friend and woman. we will miss Emily. and I send her a hug all the way to heaven. We love you very much Emily.

All of us at Scuba Club Cozumel will miss Emily. She always had a smile and kind word for all she met. We always looked forward to having Rick and Emily at the resort as it was like a second home to them and family to us. Rest in peace Emily.

Emily was a gift from God. When I would see her SMILE, I knew everything was OK! CHARLES FRYE

I was lucky to know Emily since I moved to Durham 25 years ago now. I can hear her voice and see her smile. I hear the "ya know" she would always say when she shared her wisdom, and the chuckle that would come through as she told on herself. She got that it wasn't about being perfect, but about trying to be the best version of self at that moment. Her love for Rick and their marriage was a great example of love, friendship, devotion. I've never seen such a persistent crush!! Ridiculously adorable, this durable sweet love they had. I will miss Emily, her stories, and her steadfast dedication to doing the next right thing. I know she will await the rest of us. Until then-- Love, Deb K.

I'd only known Emily for a little over a year. Her smile and welcome whenever we met weekly was uplifting. She always had subtle and gentle words of encouragement. Only briefly, but I'm so glad we met! MA and Lauren

So sorry to hear of Emily's loss. I bet she is on a beach right now waiting for her next dive. I have never known someone to love another as much as she loved Rick. She always had a story to tell and it usually involved food or Rick. RIP Emily. Prayers for your family. Chris Barrett

I am so sorry for your loss Rick . Emily was such an amazing person.. My greatest memory is of us on our woman's retreat..She will be missed by many..until we meet again

Emily was a good daughter-in-law. She was always there when I needed her. I appreciated her being a great wife to Rick! I will miss her terribly. I know she is in heaven, smiling down on the family and I love her very much! Jackie

We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember her warm and gentle spirit. Sending you our love and prayers. Michael and Donna D.

Emily is a great sister-in-law! She has given me great advice over the years. She's very matter-of-fact but has always done it in love. I'll miss you sister but I'll see you again one day!! Love you bunches!!

My heart breaks for you Rick! You and Emily were such a perfect match and enjoyed every minute you had together! I will always remember how kind and thoughtful Emily was. Brittany

I will always remember the smile on her face when she described the joy of seeing "a friend" experiencing one of those "ah ha" moments! Thanks Emily, for the memories, and the example! Dave B.

I was shocked when I received this link. I am so sorry Rick for your lose. We both were perfect together. I loved you both. Emily's sharp Mind and wit. Her presence was felt the moment you ended up in her sphere. I would have sworn, with her charm she was NYC born and bred. God bless the day she was born. Rest now Emily, enjoy the new journey. And getting the Scoop on All those questions you couldn't get answered here. Rick, you are an Extraordinary guy and I always loved seeing you both together. I cannot imagine your pain. My prayers are with you both. Ciao Bella....Joe G

We met Emily in Little Cayman so many years ago. We enjoyed the group from North Carolina, and they made our dive trip fun and exciting. I loved Emily's love of life, and her passion to experience new things at every point. Even though our time together was brief, she left a lasting impression on me. You may be gone in sight but not in spirit. Jim and I love you dearly. Jim and Kandace Heimer, Conroe, TX.

Emily was a wonderful scuba diver, I will always cherish the diving memories we shared. When not diving, she was a wealth of wisdom. We will miss you Emily. Till we meet again. My prayers to Rick and the family Esther and Odon Carbonell

Emily will be missed. She walked the walk and shared from her heart. Rest in peace.

I am truly saddened to hear of Emily's passing. She was a joy to work with and a valuable nurse in our office. She always had the patient's best interest and worked diligently to succeed with every patient encounter. We always knew it was going to be a good day when starting our day at six in the morning, she would begin with"I just had to laugh". I will miss you Emily and pray your in the lovings hands of our Father. Dr. Don Oschwald

Emily was wise, caring and compassionate women. And is missed by many.

Kendra M. Bahama Nc

The medical world will never forget her as being a wonderful surgical nurse. Still remember the day she was hired by Drs Oschwald and Carlino. I remember our great meals on our trips. We had a blast. She shall be missed by all that was lucky enough to know her. With my deepest sympathy Rick. Friend and co-worker Joan H Brothers

Emily was one of the rock foundations of our practice and a dedicated employee and dear friend for more years than I can recall. She knew who she was and what she wanted and she knew the Lord. She had a great story for any situation and they all involved Rick to whom a greater love was never known. She will be sorely missed. Rich Carlino

Emily was dedicated to God, her loving husband Rick, and to all of us. You could always turn to Emily for words of wisdom. I will miss her greatly. Lee

Emily is a giving trusted servant even today she is still sharing how her service and humility and doing the next right thing is leaving memories for all of to treasure WCT3

Emily will be remembered as a friendly person, who was always full of life, and passionate in all that she did! Whenever I would see her and Rick out and about, I was always greeted with a warm smile and a hug. I know that she is in a better place,but she will be missed by me, as well as,the many people that new her as well. I will continue to pray for Rick, that God will comfort him in the coming days/years. Rest in peace. With a heavy heart, Blake Addison

I am grateful for all that Emily gave so many of us. Her sense of humor was wicked, humility inspiring and selflessness untiring. When I told her she was a softie at heart she jokingly (but not really) said, "Shh, don't let that get out". I'm also grateful for the relationship that she and Rick shared -- the love, encouragement, support, devotion, and enjoyment of each others' company they exhibited is a testament to God's presence and the fellowship's influence in their lives. Krista Phillips

Emily was a loving and giving person. When my sweet Bill was sick she cane to our home to be with us. When he was in the hospital more than once, she was there giving reassurances to me and strength to him. A special light had just gone out for a lot of people. However, I know without a doubt that my Bill was there to greet her and give her a big hug. Thank you Emily for continuing to give us strength when our hearts are broken and shattered. I love you and will miss you! Patsy Aldred

When I think of Emily I think of her service to others and her smile I see her in my head at Mid-winter and the Assembly. I will always remember she glowed. I pray she rests knowing that those she loved are being well cared for, working the program, and making her proud. Sincerely, and I am Harriette

Emily will be missed in our family. She has been such an inspiration to me to see how she dealt with the cards she had been given. She is an amazing gal. I look forward to seeing her again. This is not a good bye Emily, this is "I will see you later." Love you Emily.

Emily was a shining example of how to live life happily by just doing the next right thing. She had a servants heart. What an example of spiritual living she gave. Nancy Petry

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

American Cremation and Funeral Service | Durham, NC

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