Ariel Shardae Wilbourn

On February 23, 2026, Ariel Shardae Wilbourn completed her earthly journey and received her eternal victory.

Ariel was the second child of Sonya Jones and Gary Wilbourn, I. The life of Ariel was filled with compassion. She was a vessel of care and known for a heart that welcomed everyone. Her kindness was shown in warm smiles, patient listening, and quiet acts of generosity. Ariel made others feel seen valued and loved.

Her faith was her foundation. Ariel professed holiness as a child and grew up in the church. Her belief in God was the anchor of her spirt. She remained a steadfast member of New Tabernacle of Truth until her earthly assignment was completed.

Ariel was a proud graduate of McClellan magnet High School.

She furthered her education at UAPTC where she graduated with her AA degree. Ariel used her education to fulfill her life's mission, which was working with children. This wasn't a job for her it was her passion.

Though her passion may have been working with children, beauty was her other passion. Ariel was rarely seen without her signature sparkle! Ariel believed make-up did not reflect how pretty one was, but it was an outward reflection of the vibrant and shimmering spirit one had inside.

She is now reunited in heaven with her grandparents, Kenneth V. and Sarah Jones, Ruby Brown, her great-grandparents, Leonard and Minerva Owens, and her father, Gary Wilbourn, I.

Ariel vibrant spirt lives on through her mother, Sonya M. Jones; sisters, La'Tesha Wilbourn-Schenck (Maurice), Abrianna Wilbourn, and Sarah Wilbourn, Tenia Waston (Ronnie)"special sister-aunt”; brothers, Gary Wilbourn, Il, Braylyn Wilbourn and Deddrick McElory (Toya). Her legacy continues to live on through her precious God baby, Dayuna Dior and her special little brothers: Da'Rijah and Denym. Ariel is also survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.