Emily Anne Gipson

Herrin- EMILY ANNE GIPSON, age 16, of Herrin, passed away at 11:16pm on Monday, April 9, 2007 at the St. Louis Children's Hospital. Emily was born in Carbondale, IL on April 4, 1991, the daughter of Greg Gipson and Anne (Bruyns) Mileur. The name Emily mean determined and persistent. And that fit her, even though many times, those qualities were disguised as stubborn and strong-willed. Shed often say Me do it! Emily loved school, and was a freshman at the Marion High School. She and Cayley have been best friends since they started school together at the age of three. Emily was a Girl Scout for eight years. Her leader, Sue, was her hero, and Heidi was her best friend. But, her bestest friend was her big brother, Seth. She adored him. Emily loved to go to Camp Little Giant at Touch of Nature each summer for a whole week by herself! She was the catcher on the Herrin Little Leagues Champion Team. When it was her turn to bat, shed make her stance, spit, swing, run the bases and slide into home plate! Emily was a bless-er. One minute after she met you, you were her friend. She worshipped at Christian Covenant Fellowship, in Carterville, and was our example of how to have faith as a little child. And although she loved us all, Joker and James were her best pals. She loved family gatherings, and was just one of the gang amongst the host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. For those of you who might feel sorry for us, to have had a child with Downs Syndrome- how wrong you are. We needed her more than she needed us, and she taught us more about what was really important in life than we ever taught her. And of all mothers, I have been the most blessed. Emily is survived by her mother and step-father- Anne and Ray Mileur of Herrin, IL Father- Greg Gipson of Crab Orchard, IL Brother- Seth Gipson of Crab Orchard, IL Two step-sisters- Christina Hull of North Dakota Kelly Mileur of Normal, IL Maternal Grandparents- Martin and Riek Bruyns of Herrin, IL Paternal Grandmother- Jean Gipson of Crab Orchard, IL Step-Paternal Grandparents- Murl and Louise Mileur of Murphysboro, IL A multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins Emily was preceded in death by her grandfather- Hoot Gipson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 13, 2007 at Johnson- Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin, with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. A memorial has been established to the Champion Ball League in Herrin. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com Emily~ just when I needed a little color in my life, you brought the whole rainbow.