Emily Ann Scheeres

March 1978 – 16 July 2025

Charlotte, NC

Emily Ann Scheeres passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of July 16, 2025, at the age of 47. She leaves behind a legacy of light, creativity, and unwavering optimism which touched all who knew her.

Emily was born in March of 1978 at Camp Pendleton, California. She was the daughter of Richard and Donna Scott and the oldest sister of Eric, Virginia, Katie, and Molly. As the daughter of a Marine, Emily lived all over the country, from Twentynine Palms, California to an 80 acre farm in Iowa. She was homeschooled all the way through, eventually earning her GED in North Carolina. As the oldest child with an often-absent military father, she was relied on for helping manage the household, including through her sister’s bout with cancer when Emily was 17. This early experience of change and challenge only deepened her resourcefulness, creativity, and sense of self.

Emily graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2002 with a B.A. in Communication and Television Production. During college, she played the role of Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof — one of many moments showcasing her lifelong love of the performing arts. She was a classically trained soprano, an accomplished violinist, a compelling leader, and a natural teacher, leading aqua aerobics, swim instruction, and violin lessons with the same passion she brought to every role in her life.

Her most treasured role, however, was as a mother to Elona and a partner to her husband, Jamison. Emily poured her energy into homeschooling Elona, tailoring education to fit her daughter’s gifts and interests, just as she had benefited from in her own youth. She created a home filled with joy, curiosity, and love.

Emily’s energy continued into other endeavors. She used her background in production to build a successful YouTube & Instagram channel under the name Essi Flynn, where she shared thoughtful, witty reviews of home technology and connected with viewers from around the world. She also became a hydroponic gardener, a Disney superfan (with a soft spot for Alice in Wonderland’s White Rabbit), and the creative heart behind many family adventures. Music remained a thread through it all — whether singing just for the joy of it or finally fulfilling her dream of writing, recording, and releasing a single, Hear Me Now, which she completed while undergoing chemotherapy.

Emily was a beacon of hope and resilience during her 2+ year cancer journey. Her medical teams, friends, and family all witnessed her extraordinary optimism. She wasn’t naïve; she had a deep, steady belief in beauty, in people, and in ‘Doing the next right thing’. She faced every setback with resolve and kept moving forward, never giving in. Even in hospice, Emily’s smile, determination, and compassion made her stand out amongst her care team.

To know Emily was to feel seen, lifted, and loved. People often said, “You’re so happy” — but what they were really seeing was a rare kind of joy: hard-earned, intentional, and bright. She championed others. She made you feel better for having crossed her path.

Emily is preceded in death by her mother Donna and survived by her husband, Jamison; her daughter, Elona; her father, Richard; her siblings, Eric, Virginia, Katie, and Molly; and her in-laws, Roger and Junell Scheeres. She will be missed fiercely and remembered always — as a mother, daughter, wife, teacher, artist, and friend.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.” — James 1:12

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to COLONTOWN, a patient-led community that offered invaluable support throughout Emily’s journey.