Emilie Lysell

Emilie Susan Johannes Lysell, 63, of Jackson died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Emie was born July 23, 1946, to Milt and Emilie Johannes in Kirkwood, Mo. She was the youngest of three, and the only girl, hence her nickname, Sister. (Through the years she was known as Mom, Meemaw, Aunt Sissy, Aunt Emie, Em, Emie and Mother by those who loved her.)

Emie graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1965. She married Terry Lysell in 1965 and they immediately started their family. Being a mom is what Emie was born to do. Emilie came first in 1966, followed very quickly by John in 1967. Lindy completed the family in 1969.

Emie's entire life from that point on was in service to her kids. She was a stay-at-home mom while her kids were in school. She never missed a single school function or sporting event her kids participated in. She was the mom that always had a Suburban full of kids going to a tennis match, track meet or softball game. She was the mom that was loved by her kids' friends because she was so much fun.

As Emie's kids started to near the end of their high school careers, she knew she had to find something for herself. So Emie went to college and found her second great love in life -- nursing. She graduated in May 1993 from Southeast Missouri State University with a BSN, RN degree. She worked at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Post Partum and was able to take care of new moms and their babies.

The biggest joy Emie had at Southeast Missouri Hospital was the opportunity to help new moms transition into the greatest roles of their lives. She took particular pride in the letters the hospital would receive from these new mothers thanking her for making their already amazing experience even better.

In July 1992 Emie purchased State Beauty Supply. This too was for her children. While helping her children run the business, the greatest gift she gave them was the ability to see her every day. In every way possible Emie gave all she could to the family she cherished--most of all her time.

Emie is survived by her three loving children, Emilie (Joe Cortner) Lysell of Jackson, John (Jane) Lysell of Jackson and Lindy (Shane Pridmore) Lysell of Cape Girardeau; as well as five grandchildren, Andrew Lysell, Lauren (Cody) Crowden, Olivia Lysell, Calvin Lysell and Grace Lysell, all of Jackson.

Also surviving is a great-grandson, August Crowden of Jackson; Emie's brothers, John (JoAnn) Johannes of Whitewater, Jim (Erma) Johannes of Jackson; and countless nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, with a private memorial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Emilie J. Lysell Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be made at any Bank of Missouri location.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.