Christy Lynn (Jones) Emery

DuQuoin

Christy Lynn (Jones) Emery left us the morning of March 18, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, with her husband of 49 years, Rex Emery, and daughter, Megan Becker, by her side. A few short hours earlier, she was visited by the entirety of her family and each of them were able to comfort and express the profound love they had for her.

Christy was born to Carl C. and Norma Lee (Templeton) Jones of Tamaroa, and joined her sister, Cathy (Jones) Youngman, and brother, Michael W. Jones, as the youngest of three. She graduated from Tamaroa High School in the spring of 1970. She attended Rend Lake College for two years (where she would famously point out that she was elected Christmas Queen) and graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1974 with a degree in Education.

A chance encounter at the DuQuoin State Fair with a rough and tumble, scruffy undercover law enforcement officer from Williamson County eventually led to her and Rex Emery taking the vows of marriage in May of 1975. For 49 years they loved each other completely. They partook in numerous adventures and shared a loved of camping, a good winery, and frequent winter trips to Key West or other colorful places. They wrote a love story for the ages. They settled in DuQuoin, Illinois, in 1978, and raised three children, Lee Emery, Aaron Emery, and Megan (Emery) Becker.

She taught Home Economics at Zeigler-Royalton High School from 1975 to 1983 and later worked for the Regional Office of Education where she found a passion in advocating for the unhoused and transient populations of school-aged children. After her baptism at First Christian Church, Christy became such a passionate member, serving as a Deacon and Chair of Missions Committee, for over 40 years.  She was also in a couple of fun sororities, and most recently a board member of unhoused services organization, Transition 2 Hope.

She is survived by her husband, Rex A. Emery of DuQuoin; children, Lee Emery of Cuba, Missouri, Aaron Emery of DuQuoin, and Megan (Joe) Becker of DuQuoin; her wonderful grandchildren, Rex Andrew Emery, Maizie Nicole Emery, Caralynn Sue Becker, and Jace Carl Becker; sister, Cathy (Rich) Youngman of DuQuoin; brother, Michael W. (Tina) Jones of Champaign; and Chloe and Frannie, her two constant little canine companions that stayed with her throughout her illness.

Christy was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Norma Jones; and her beloved “Auntie” and “Uncle” Adeline and Wayne Jackson.

To know Chris was to love her, and to love her was truly our honor. She was the best wife, sister, mother, “mimi”, friend, and human being that any of us could ask for. We will never forget her kind spirit, her sarcastic wit, or the smile that would brighten the darkest day. We will forever miss you.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2024, at Tamaroa Cemetery, with Rev. Amanda Groves officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to Transition 2 Hope, 31 South Division Street, DuQuoin, IL 62832, and to remind all the women in your life to go get mammograms.

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