Emma Jean Shanks

Emma Jean Cauley Shanks, age 93, of 1824 Indian Draft Road, Millboro, Virginia died on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Emma Jean was born on May 5, 1933 in Warm Springs, Virginia to the late Everette and Ruth Harding Cauley. She was a self-employed hairdresser and a lifelong member of Windy Cove Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, and cooking, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and serving others.

In addition to her parents, Emma Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Davis Shanks; three brothers, Everette Cauley, Jr., Earl Cauley, and Linwood Cauley; a sister, Mary Frances Cauley Martin; and a son-in-law, Jay Higgs.

She is survived by two daughters, Wanda Higgs of Bridgewater and Amy Coleman (Jeff) of Charlottesville; a son, Garry Shanks (Jo Ann) of Millboro; a sister, Elinor Cauley Fridley of Augusta Springs; eight grandchildren, Tim Poe (Tonya), Jon Higgs (Jessi), J W. Higgs (Kim), Jimmy Higgs (Stephanie), Julie Wagoner (Mike), Justin Shanks (Cara), Leah Duesterhaus (Andrew), and Tyler Coleman; seventeen great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and her special companion, “Shep”.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Windy Cove Presbyterian Church, Millboro Springs, with Reverend Con Sauls officiating. Interment will follow in Windy Cove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tim Poe, Jon Higgs, Justin Shanks, Tyler Coleman, T. J. Poe, Clayton Wagoner, Camden Wagoner, and Mike Shanks. The family will visit with friends on Friday afternoon, from 12:00 Noon until the time of service, at the church.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Windy Cove Presbyterian Church, 102 Windy Cove Road, Millboro Virginia 24460.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com