Moses Raymond Embrey

Moses Raymond Embrey, 18, of Salem, Va., passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, ending his torturous battle with mental illness.

Moses was born on June 28, 2005, to Tina M. and Wayne M. Embrey, Jr., in Roanoke, Va. He attended preschool at Fort Lewis Baptist Church and all three Glenvar schools. While he was a great student earning an Advanced Studies diploma, he really loved learning on his own, or from his Pawpaw.

Moses’s time was filled with music. From dancing at family gatherings when he was little, to jazz band and marching band, to songwriting. Moses was a percussionist at heart, but could also play piano, and he taught himself to play guitar. Moses was very creative in writing, drawing, music, and other forms of art. He could use a welder at 10 years old. He made many wooden items by carving or turning. He was a great handyman.

Despite all of this, his illness told him he was a failure. Moses was caring, thoughtful, and loving, and was the one everyone wanted to be around. Although he was loved by many, his illness would not let him feel it, and told him that he was alone.

After years of counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors of various specialties, multiple hospitalizations, and prescription meds, the illness still prevailed. Being driven by hopelessness and desperation, Moses took his own life.

Moses is survived by his grandparents, Beverly and Wayne Embrey, Sr. and Paul and Trudy Blankenship; his parents, Tina and Wayne Embrey, Jr.; and his loving sister, Bristol N. Embrey.

The family would like to thank PFC Reagan Adams USMC for being his friend and confidant for many years and for her valiant efforts on the day of his death.

All are invited to celebrate Moses’s life on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Va. A period of visitation will begin at 5 p.m., and the service at 7 p.m.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.