Lois Emerine

BENTON, Mo. -- Lois Christine Emerine, 84, of Benton died Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at her home.

Born Oct. 5, 1931, in Sikeston, Missouri, to the late Raymond L. and Nellie Bishop Ford. On April 1, 1962, in Charleston, Missouri, she married Mark V. Emerine, who preceded her in death on July 26, 2004.

She was a member of Unity Baptist Church in Benton.

She graduated from Murray State University with a B.S. in both home economics and education, and later earned her M.S. in education. She became a teacher for the Kelly School system, and taught there for many years until her retirement. She was an active member of the Missouri State Teachers Association. Lois was a longtime member of the River Heritage Quilter's Guild, and also was a member of the Bootheel Quilter's Guild. She belonged to the Heartland Writers Guild, and had several articles published. Her excellent writing skills led her to be the recipient of the Bright Flight Award.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Linda Emerine of Benton; two daughters and one son-in-law, Julie Heeb of Sikeston and Nancy and Tim Tolbert of Chaffee, Missouri; and one nephew, Jeff (Linda) Williams of Fort Valley, Georgia.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Derek (Mary Clare) Emerine of Collierville, Tennessee, Christina (Jason) Bruenderman of Cape Girardeau, Elizabeth Heeb (Steven) Tidwell of Temple, Texas, Nicholas Heeb of Sikeston and Christopher Tolbert and Eric Tolbert, both of Chaffee; and two great grandchildren, Ellia Bruenderman of Cape Girardeau and Anna Clare Emerine of Collierville.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Raynette Williams.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the chapel, with Dennis Lowe, pastor of Unity Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.