In a heart-wrenching loss that has rippled across the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church community in Atlanta, Georgia, 7-year-old Aubrey Hill, beloved daughter of Shakerah Snell and Pastor Moss’s niece, passed away in a tragic accident on Sunday, November 3, 2024. The family is grieving deeply, and the broader church community has come together to offer heartfelt support and prayers for the Hill and Moss families. Aubrey’s death has not only left her family shattered but also profoundly impacted friends, neighbors, and church members who remember her as a joyful, bright light in their lives.
The details surrounding the accident that claimed young Aubrey’s life are still emerging, but what is clear is the immense void her passing has left. Pastor Moss, a prominent figure within Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, has dedicated years to uplifting and guiding his congregation. Now, as he and his family face one of the darkest moments of their lives, the community he once guided is offering prayers and support to ease their grief.
Family’s Initial Statements and Overwhelming Support
Shortly after the tragedy, Aubrey’s mother, Shakerah Snell, released an emotional statement thanking those who had reached out in support. “I am overwhelmed with the messages & I really appreciate EVERYONE who reached out,” Snell wrote. “I will get back w/ you guys when I can! I am going to need the support more than ever! I did not get any sleep last night/morning. All I have been thinking about is my baby & up crying!” These words reflect a grief that no parent ever hopes to endure, and they speak to the strength and vulnerability required to continue moving forward amid such profound loss.
Shakerah’s message went on to reveal the depth of her heartache over the loss of her young daughter, expressing the sorrow that her family now faces in adapting to life without Aubrey. “I really can’t believe this is happening to me! Kaisley is going to miss her sister so much!” Snell added, mentioning Aubrey’s sibling, who is also grappling with the painful absence of her big sister. “Our household will never be the same!” she continued, sharing the irreplaceable role Aubrey held in their family dynamic.
The young girl’s upcoming birthday compounds the sadness, as the family must now confront milestones without her presence. “My girl’s birthday is around the corner & I need the strength bc I don’t know how I will do this! I can’t wake up every day and Aubrey is not here,” Snell shared. Her words highlight the unique pain of not just saying goodbye to a child, but also to the future memories and milestones they will no longer witness together.
Aubrey Hill: Remembering a Bright and Cherished Life
Though her life was tragically cut short, Aubrey Hill’s memory shines vividly in the hearts of those who knew her. Described as a bright, kind-hearted girl, she was a joy to her family and a friend to many in the community. At Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, where her great-uncle Pastor Moss serves as a leader, she was a beloved presence, always seen with a smile, and known for her playful spirit. In a church statement, Pastor Moss highlighted how Aubrey’s joyful presence had touched the lives of many within the congregation and beyond.
“Aubrey’s presence was a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her laughter, her love, and her kindness are things we will carry with us always,” the statement read. “During this devastating time, we ask our community to keep the Snell, Hill, Bigham, and Moss families in their prayers as we all mourn the loss of our precious Aubrey.”
As the family and community prepare to lay Aubrey to rest, church members have expressed their gratitude for the support received thus far and encouraged all to cherish the loved ones around them. In a world that often takes life for granted, the church’s community emphasized the importance of treasuring each moment with those we love, as Aubrey’s death reminds them of life’s fragility.
A Grieving Mother’s Plea: The Power of Community Support
Shakerah Snell has openly expressed her need for community support as she navigates this unimaginable loss. In a social media post following the news, she shared her struggle to come to terms with the tragedy and requested continued prayers and encouragement. “I am grateful for every single message of support,” she stated, emphasizing that this support is one of the few sources of solace in a time of indescribable heartache.
For Shakerah, the overwhelming response from friends, family, and strangers alike has been both a comfort and a testament to the impact her daughter had in her short life. The Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church community has organized support efforts, including prayer vigils, gatherings, and an ongoing remembrance ceremony planned to honor Aubrey’s life.
A family friend who has known the Hill and Snell families for years shared, “Aubrey’s light was pure and true. In her few years, she made a huge impact. She had this way of making everyone feel happy and loved. Losing her is a heartbreak for us all.” These sentiments are echoed throughout the community as they grieve together and rally around the Hill-Snell family to ensure they do not walk this journey alone.
Planning the Final Goodbye: Funeral Arrangements and Community Farewell
While the exact date and details of Aubrey Hill’s funeral are yet to be finalized, her family has expressed their intention to release an official obituary and funeral arrangements soon. Many in the community are expected to attend, with the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church serving as a cornerstone in organizing a service that truly honors Aubrey’s memory.
In the meantime, the church has created a dedicated space for congregants and friends to leave flowers, cards, and other tokens of remembrance. On social media, several tributes to Aubrey have already surfaced, each capturing her unique spirit and the lasting mark she left on those who loved her.
Pastor Moss is also expected to give a eulogy, a role that he admits will be one of the hardest of his life. Yet he also sees it as a way to honor his great-niece and to encourage others to cherish each moment with their loved ones. “Aubrey’s passing is a call to us all,” he shared. “To love harder, to live fully, and to remember that tomorrow is never promised.”
The Road Ahead: Life Without Aubrey
The Hill-Snell family’s life will never be the same without Aubrey. They will face birthdays, holidays, and countless family moments where her absence will be deeply felt. For her mother, Shakerah, and sister, Kaisley, the process of grieving is just beginning, and the support from friends, family, and the church community will play a crucial role in their healing journey.
The community of Atlanta, the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, and all those who knew Aubrey Hill remain united in remembering the life of a vibrant young girl who left an indelible mark on all she touched. In the face of loss, they are left with the legacy of Aubrey’s joy, kindness, and spirit—a legacy that will continue to live on through the love shared in her memory.
The Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church has announced that ongoing counseling and support will be available for family members, friends, and community members impacted by the tragic loss. As they prepare to say their final goodbyes, Pastor Moss and the entire community ask for privacy, understanding, and continued prayers during this time of sorrow.
In a world that often seems too quick-paced to stop and appreciate the beauty of a single life, Aubrey Hill’s memory reminds everyone of the importance of love, family, and community. Her short life is a testament to the enduring impact that one soul can have—a memory that her family and community will hold onto forever.
