MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Emotions were raw as loved ones honored Paula Appleberry, 54, who was gunned down in Orange Mound on Sunday, Feb. 4, with her daughter and grandchildren in the car.
Her two-year-old grandson was shot, and her 25-year-old daughter, Tierney Irby, was injured by the car crashing.
"That bullet was not meant for her. It was senseless and if it was mistaken identity, I don't see how you can mistake someone with 'GODS#1FAN' on their tag,” said Tierney.
Appleberry was a material specialist at General Electric in Olive Branch, MS.
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, General Electric invited her family to a lunch and balloon release.
"We want to change the narrative. People need to know who she is and how much she's loved," said Appleberry's sister.
Loving, loyal and genuine were just three of the words used to describe Appleberry by her son, Jarvis Irby. He is demanding justice for his mother.
"It could be anybody's grandma. It could be anybody's mama. She just left Baskin Robbins. She's eating ice cream, and she has to look over and there's shots going into her car. That's a lot. That's a lot,” said Jarvis.
Both her children said they’re still processing the loss.
"If I feel like I'm wrong, who do you call? You call your mom. I can't call my mom anymore,” said Jarvis.
Appleberry would have turned 55 on Feb. 24.
Family members told ABC24 the two-year-old who was shot is expected to make a full recovery.
Police said the suspect(s) were riding a white sedan.
MPD said there are no updates with this case. Anyone with information regarding this incident should call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.
Appleberry’s family created a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral arrangements.