Emily Childers

Born to the late Alice and William Surgenor, Emily is also preceded in death by her sister, Glenda.

Emily is survived by her three children, William, Richard, and Linda, grandchildren Gregory, Richard, Christine, Daniela, Susanne, and Christopher as well as three great grandchildren.

Emily is a graduate of Fern Creek High School in Louisville and attended Centre College in Danville, KY, before completing her bachelor's, master's, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.

Emily had a distinguished career in education and administration that included being the principal of Sidney Lanier school in Gainesville and director of exceptional student education for Osceola County, FL. She was beloved by students and staff who affectionately referred to her as Dr. C.

Emily was a devoted mother and grandmother who believed her greatest legacy was her family. Emily's dining room was the gathering place for her extended family where she generously shared her love of southern cooking and baking with them. In her retirement, Emily enjoyed reading, feeding the wild birds and other animals that visited her backyard, mall walking, crafts such as wreath making, and traveling to her bucket list locations in Europe and South America. She was a lifelong devotee of all things canine, especially toy poodles and Boston terriers, and never wavered in her love for Elvis Presley.

Emily was the cornerstone of her family. She will be loved and missed immeasurably.