Katelyn “Katie” Nicole Emerson, 25 of Taylorville passed away unexpectedly at 8:15 AM on Wednesday, March 9, 2016.
She was born on July 10, 1990 at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital in Taylorville the daughter of Frank and Mickey (McDonald) Emerson Jr. She was preceded in death by her sister, Christine Diane Emerson; Her Poppy, Frank T. Emerson Sr. and an uncle, John Damarin.
Katie loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, archery and she was a bow & arrow markswomen. She loved playing sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball. She also coached YMCA soccer.
She was musically talented. She played alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, electric bass, stand up bass, guitar and violin. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and sang in the church choir. She played in the community Praise band. She was also a member of Women of the Moose #1263 in Taylorville.
Katie graduated from Taylorville High School in 2008. She received her associate degree from Lincoln Land Community College. She then attended Olivet Nazarene University and received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing. She worked at St. John’s Hospital in the orthopedic department. Katie earned the prestigious white rose award and the guardian angel award. Katie was very devoted to the Community Based Instruction programs in the Taylorville Schools where she continued to substitute and volunteer as a chaperone for social activities.
Survivors: Parents, Frank Jr. and Mickey Emerson of Taylorville, IL; Sister, Stephanie (fiancé, Freddie Goodrich III) Emerson of Taylorville, IL; Brother, F. Thad Emerson of Taylorville, IL; God-sister, Abby Green and her children Lola and Logan House of St. Louis, MO; Grandparents, David L. and Pat McDonald and Bea Emerson all of Taylorville, IL; Aunts, Jean McDonald of Edinburg, IL, P.J. (Bob) Ruckstuhl of Newberry, OH, Kathy (David) McDonald-Johnson of Owings, MD, Vanessa (Joe) Leach, Karen (Porky) Mills and Diana Damarin all of Taylorville, IL; Uncles, Chris (Beth) McDonald of Urbana, IL, Charlie (Paula) McDonald of Lake Charles, LA, David McDonald and Bart (Julie) Emerson all of Taylorville, IL; Her canine companion Taz, the certified service dog; Many cousins, great aunts and great uncles.
Funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Mariadas Chatla officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00-7:00 PM at Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home in Taylorville.
Condolences to her family may be left at www.perfettifuneralhome.com
Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Taylorville is in charge of arrangements.
