Connie Rae (Reichert) Emery

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Connie Rae (Reichert) Emery. She passed away peacefully on August 25th, 2025, and went to celebrate her husband's, Cecil “Bump” Emery, birthday with him in heaven. Connie was a cherished spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her.

Connie was born on February 7th, 1941, on the family farm in Cambria, to Jewel and Raymond Reichert. Being the youngest of eight children, she was spoiled by her siblings and her personality reflected that as she aged.  Connie graduated from Carterville High School and was a homemaker.

Connie married Cecil "Bump" Emery on November 7th, 1959, in Cambria, and they spent 55 wonderful years together filled with love and laughter. He was the love of her life and Connie always looked forward to Friday-night date night with her favorite dance partner. They were always together cheering on different sports teams, taking long countryside rides, and spending time with their family through the years. Their crush on each other always put a smile on the faces of anyone that was around them. They shared their lifelong dream and bought the Emery Farm caring for their many animals and having family reunions.

Connie was so proud of her family and always looked forward to visiting and telling funny stories. Her home was her sanctuary decorated from top to bottom for holidays and family gatherings. She loved to cook extra large meals and play board games with family and friends. Connie was a dedicated decorator and was admired by family and friends for her artistic talents. She enjoyed working with her sister, with whom she had a special bond, Jeweldean Karsten, making flowers and decorating grave sites of family members that had left this world before them. She had a large collection of glass angels and roosters with a family photo gallery displayed on the walls with pride. Connie was a very good bowler in her younger years and enjoyed bowling at Herrin Bowl. During her long life, she was active with the Cambria-Cartervile Girls' luncheons and with her family group of women, who they called the "Pearlettes" for many years. After her husband passed in 2015, the "dream farm" no longer existed and she was heartbroken. She spent much of her time after this watching Golden Girls and spending time on the phone and at the beauty shop talking with all of her lady friends.

Surviving are her children: Cecilia Arlene and Rusty Dunbar of Marion, Robert "Bo" Emery of Carterville, Anthony and Stacy (Stapleton) Emery of Anderson, Indiana, and Cecil Todd Emery of Marion; grandchildren: Zeppelyn Brewer, Cody and Jennie (True) Dunbar, Katelyn Emery (Quinton Adams), Nicholas Emery, Remington and Grace (Reis) Emery, Dalton and Eve (Emery) Partington, Hunter and Joelle (Shelton) Emery, Hayden Emery (fiancé Ellie Maxwell); great grandchildren, Braydon Brewer, Henley Elizabeth Dunbar, Maverick Adams, Maddox Adams, Eloise Partington, Sawyer Partington, Stetson Emery, and Scarlett Emery; sister, Jeweldean Karsten; and special niece, Charmin Luton also survives.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Jewel Reichert; her husband, Cecil Don Emery; infant son, Cecil Don Emery Jr.; great granddaughter, Cecilia Raeann Emery; great-grandson, Maxwell Emery; grandson-in-law, Dr. Clay Brewer; as well as numerous siblings; and special nephew, "Little Roger" Beltz.

Connie was blessed to have several special family members that helped take care of her after her husband's death. They included her sister, Jeweldean Karsten; niece, Charmin Luton; nephew, Butch (Shirley) Beltz; and niece, DeDe Poole. The family was blessed and grateful to have had her son, Todd Emery step up and take care of Connie after the loss of her husband.

Connie had an unwavering faith in God, and the family will miss hearing her say "I Love You"

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at Blairsville Cemetery, with Pastor Robert “Butch” Beltz officiating.  Please keep Connie and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your love and support are greatly appreciated.

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