Emily was the fifth of six children raised in Teague, Texas. Predeceased by her husband, Lucian Nelson, she is survived by daughters Sissa Nelson Harris (Doug), Luci Nelson, and son Peter Nilsson; Grandchildren, Kiel Drake, Sean Drake (Alicia), Emily Scheideman (Wayne), Forest Kuykendall, Kecia Sheak, Karl Nelson, Steffan and Thomas Nilsson; 10 Great-grandchildren – Alyssa, Kyla, Samantha, Marissa & Gabrielle Drake; Aleia & Lynzi Milano; Brook, Steel & Stone Kuykendall; & many friends in Riverside and Lake Counties. Emily was beloved to all of us, providing the love, care, concern, hope and wisdom that we needed and aspire to share with the world.
Emily worked in jewelry sales after her high school graduation. During WWII, determined to work building aircraft, she attended school to learn wiring for cockpit panels in airplanes. She was hired by North American Aviation, but (much to her disappointment) placed in the engineering department to perform secretarial duties. Apparently, the only excitement from her war effort was when a spy was arrested attempting to break into the engineering department.
Emily met her husband, Lucian, on a blind date. Quickly falling in love, they married in 1947 in Dallas, and moved to McPherson, Kansas a short time later to begin their family. When son Peter turned two, Emily began her career in the insurance industry working in claims and bookkeeping. She continued in this career in Riverside County promoting to office manager and underwriter. She worked at least part-time until she was in her 80’s.
Emily is a long-time member of the Christian church. Baptized at age 12 in the First Christian Church in Teague, Texas, she continued as an active member in the First Christian churches in McPherson, and since 1959, in Riverside, California – teaching Sunday school and singing soprano in these church choirs. She believed it was one’s duty to help others. She professed that the most important thing in life was love, nothing else really mattered.
Emily loved to travel and had many adventures with Lucian and other relatives. She loved to dance, and Lucian did not, so she danced with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an avid and accomplished gardener, specializing in roses. Her vegetable garden fed the entire extended family, and her flowers graced her church. Emily was a member of the Raincross Rose Society until her passing.
Proud of her Texas heritage, and identifying with the song “That’s How the Girls are in Texas”, Emily spoke up about injustice and the importance of insuring all had opportunities to a better life. She was a committed member of the Democratic Party and continued her political involvement by working in the DCC office in Lake County this last election cycle and attending Lake County DCC functions and meetings. Emily was not shy in communicating her pleasure, and displeasure, to her elected officials, and mastered social media platforms to do so as it became harder for her to leave the house.
Emily’s memorial service will be held at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn (11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside) on January 7, 2019. Public visitation is at 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service at noon. Burial will take place at the National Cemetery at 2:00 pm the same day.
