Emily Fern Eagle

Emily enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and activities with her husband of 68 years, Buren. Traveling in their motorhome exploring the USA, going to Bluegrass Festivals, gardening, garage sales, raising butterflies, as well as buying, selling and collecting antiques. She especially loved helping others through donations or giving rides to her friends who were homebound. She had a fierce love and loyalty to family. Being a Mother and Grandmother to her two granddaughters gave her great joy.

Emily was a leader and role model. After moving to Bradenton in 1965, she went to work as a retail salesperson at Lerner Shops and modeled clothing for Lerner Shops and Belk Lindsey. In 1968, she took a retail position at Woolco Dept. store and quickly ascended to Human Resources Manager. She continued in that position for 15 years until Woolco closed in 1983. Afterwards, she was hired by Manatee County to open and manage the new Manatee County Tourist Information Center in Ellenton. The Tourist Information Center opened in February 1985 with Emily managing and scheduling a staff of over 150 employees and volunteers. Emily enjoyed working with people and the visitors to the Center. She had a terrific sense of humor and said she loved telling the visitors “where to go.” She remained as manager until her retirement in 2000. She was named Manatee County Employee of the Year in 1992 with December 8th designated as “Emily Eagle Day” in Manatee County.

Emily is survived by her son Michael Timothy Eagle, daughter Beverly Eagle Kinder (James), sister Evelyn Yvonne Wilson (Wolf), granddaughters Alexa Kinder Camunas (Manuel) and Ashley Kinder.

Emily is predeceased by her husband, Buren McKinley Eagle, siblings Grover Wilson, Effie Wilson (Boley), Elva Wilson (Workman), Donald Wilson, Lula Wilson (Fox), Nellie Wilson (Bragg, Morris), Oneda Wilson (Miller), Central Lee Wilson, and Lillian Wilson.

Services will be held privately. Emily will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Buren, at Skyway Memorial Gardens in Palmetto, FL. At Emily’s request, memorial donations be made to Hope Children’s Home, 11415 Hope International Drive, Tampa, Florida 33625, [email protected]