Vincent Brian Emory

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City Vince Emory, 49, of Cedar Island passed away in the arms of his loving wife, with his son holding his hand and his mother at his side. After a courageous six-year battle with cancer, he is now free from pain, fully healed, and at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

A memorial service to honor Vince’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th, at the Atlantic Elementary School auditorium, officiated by Pastor Nelson Koonce. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6th, at Cedar Island Methodist Church.

Vince was born on February 12th, 1976. His mama often said that his birth gave her exactly what she prayed for; a little brother for Lori Beth which meant she now had her little girl and boy, her perfect family. From the beginning, Vince made his mark on this world. A kind and smart little redhead who amongst many things loved to read, developed an early passion for listening to music, and had a mind that craved knowledge. Quick-witted and studious with a remarkable memory, he attended school, kindergarten through 8th grade at Atlantic, graduated among the top of his class at East Carteret High School, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill.

Cedar Island and the surrounding waters were Vince’s first love. As a child, he spent countless days and nights fishing and shrimping with his father who became his best friend, learning the rhythms of the sound and the life that lived in it. After graduating from college he struggled to remove the salt water from his veins, so he returned home and set out to follow in his father’s footsteps, as a commercial fisherman. Vince brought to fishing the same passion he brought to life. His competitive spirit, sharp instincts, and keen mind made him highly successful. He loved the camaraderie of the fish house with some of his closest friends (Aron and Bull) working side by side, the stories shared there, and the laughter that filled their time together were some of his happiest moments and he fought until the very end to preserve what he had helped build. He took great pride in guiding the next generation of fishermen and while he never revealed his deepest secrets of the trade he never turned down a chance to talk about the tricks of the trade.

Vince’s greatest joy was his son Vann. Though it took time and grace for Vince to fully step into fatherhood, once he did, he gave his whole heart. Through fishing and boating, concerts and travel, evening Jeopardy battles, card games and puzzles, nightly family meals, numerous piles of pancakes, music, games, and life lessons, Vince poured himself into his son. Vann was his pride and joy, and nothing made him happier than listening to his son’s musical talents and hearing how much his son was like him, because he truly is.

In August of 2016 God worked his magic in only the way that He could. He led a Maine girl, who was living in Raleigh, NC to Cedar Island. From the moment Vince and Jessica laid eyes on each other they were inseparable. Vince would say their lives fell apart in just the right way for them to fall together and fall they did - deeply in love in just a short time they married just over a year later. Vince was the kind of husband that women pray for. He was gracious, kind, an open communicator, and he doted on her endlessly. Together they created a life of true companionship, where even simple errands in town became cherished day dates. His final words on this earth in his last breaths were spoken to Jessica and Vann, “I love you.” These were the same words he told them daily. He loved BIG and full and to be in his circle of love was a blessing.

In 2020, Vince was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While devastating, he refused to let the disease define his life. Over six years, between Carteret Health, UNC Hospital, Carolina East, and MD Anderson he endured extensive treatments, surgeries, and more than twenty trips to Texas, including an 8 month clinical trial which involved living in Houston for 2 months. Despite these numerous treatments, Vince continued to live fully, fishing at times with a chemotherapy pump at his waist, attending concerts, traveling, family vacations, and sharing meals, game nights, and laughter with friends and family. Though he faced the world with a smile, behind closed doors he endured immense pain, intense nausea, and long periods of exhaustion with quiet strength.

In many ways, Vince’s courageous fight gave him more than it took. It strengthened his marriage forcing a deep reliance on each other and it drew his son even closer to him as they prioritized time together. Through the journey, he formed a second family among his caregivers. He deeply loved the staff at Carteret Health, particularly in the RAAB and Coleman Radiation departments, knowing each by name and cherishing their kindness and encouragement. While at MD Anderson in Texas, he quickly endeared himself to the medical teams there as well. The Down East community, especially his home of Cedar Island, rallied around him, raising funds and providing support that made his treatment journeys possible and carried him through his battle with love. He was profoundly humbled by the love that surrounded him from Down East and beyond, and he drew strength from every card, message, gift, and prayer, each one helping him rise again and push forward through every setback.

Vince was a remarkable human being whose warm smile, quick wit, and zest for life drew people in. If there was a boat to ride, a party to attend, a poker hand to play, a song to sing, or a gathering of friends, Vince wanted to be there, right in the middle of it. His presence brought energy and joy, and he had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Like his father before him, children were naturally drawn to Vince, and he treasured the moments he spent connecting with the many children in his life, meeting each one with patience, kindness, and genuine delight. Vince had a God-given ability to recognize the needs of others, even when they went unspoken. He was quietly and humbly generous, often moved by his faith to offer his time, presence, or support, whether through a kind word, shared meal, needed clothing, or financial help. He gave freely, unable to bear the thought of anyone going without and believing it was the greatest blessing to care for others.

Vince was not only an incredible human being, but also a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and best friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Royce Emory Jr. He is survived by his mother, Donna Emory; his beloved wife, Jessica Emory (McDonald); and his son, Vann. He is also survived by his sister, Lori Beth Emory Hill (loving called Sister Sweetly); his nephew, Caleb Mendoza; Caleb’s daughter, Bella Mendoza; his niece, Alexis Bent, her husband Joey Bent, and their children, Love and Emory; and his parents-in-law, Mike and Jane McDonald; his brother-in-law, Tim McDonald, and his children, Riley and Brody; his brother-in-law, Nate McDonald, and his daughter, Lija; and his sister-in-law, Julie Tower, her husband, Brian, and their children, Bella, Luke, and Lara. Vince is also survived by an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, with loved ones spread throughout Down East and from Maine to California, too many to name but all held close in his heart.

Vince lived fully, loved deeply, and faced life’s challenges with courage and grace. He will be remembered for his incredible joy, his generosity of spirit, and the love he shared so freely. He is missed beyond measure, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the waters he loved so dearly.

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