Laura Clotilda Emery of Nixa, MO passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 86. Laura was born on May 6, 1939, in St. Louis, MO to Lyle Vincent and Coletta Ottillia Smith. She was the fifth of eight children growing up alongside her siblings the late Lyle (Maxine-deceased), Leonard (Elvadine-deceased), Lois, Laurence (Charlotte), Leo (Judy), Louis and Lucille (Kenneth-deceased).

Laura graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1957 and was married to her husband of 55 years, Donald Joseph Emery, on August 27, 1966. Laura was a devoted wife supporting her husband's lifelong railroad career as it moved them from St. Louis to Springfield, MO, where they raised their only daughter, Donna (Steve) Pearcy. Laura took extraordinary pride in keeping a spotless home for her family and will be remembered for the care she showed to others including her daughter's closest friends, the children she babysat and the families whom she served as housekeeper for over the years. She made life easier for others through her work and expected little in return.

The Emery home was well-known in its neighborhood as the "house that decorates for every holiday" with Laura leading the charge. The décor inside the house was indicative of the upcoming holiday and the neighborhood children were always excited to see how the front porch would be adorned. Because Christmas was her favorite holiday, Laura sewed beautifully intricate stockings, table runners and tree skirts not only for her own home but also as gifts for her family and friends. Following her husband's retirement, Laura worked alongside him in several small business adventures and enjoyed sharing in his collector car hobby. She also enjoyed watching the birds in her backyard or catching any "ball" game on television.

Laura was a loving wife and mother, but most importantly, she was Granny to Catie and Emma Pearcy, her twin granddaughters. There was never anything more important to Laura than these two when they entered the world. They were first on her mind every morning and she always checked on their well-being each night. She was always willing to babysit or pick them up from school when needed. She made the best PB&J sandwiches, chicken nuggets, green stuff, and peanut butter balls. She always had blank paper, crayons, and markers to fulfill their creative desires. She loved to play outside with them, work on puzzles together and play cards or board games with them. Laura attended every school play, soccer game, swim meet, dance recital, volleyball game, archery tournament, choir performance, football game and dance competition – she was always the proudest Granny in the audience. Laura always said things happen for a reason – Catie and Emma were certainly her reason. She loved them beyond measure and was immensely proud of the young ladies they have become.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 6-8 pm and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11 am, both at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO. Burial will immediately follow at Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Rescue One, The Manor at Elfindale Memorial Fund or Seasons Hospice Education Fund.