Janell S. Emerson

Janell S. Emerson, residing in South Bend, IN, passed away at 3:35 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2016 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, at the age of 93.  She was born December 11, 1922 in Chester, IL to the late Otto R. and Dora (Herberts) Schmidt, and has lived in South Bend since 1945, coming from LaPorte, IN.   On June 23, 1945 in LaPorte, IN, she was united in marriage to Lester J. Emerson.  Together, they enjoyed 64 years of marriage until his passing on October 1, 2009.

Mrs. Emerson is survived by her two sons, Thomas L. (Jan) Emerson of Nashville, TN and David C. (Patricia) Emerson of South Bend, IN; five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Viola Gregory of LaPorte, IN.

Mrs. Emerson served in the United States Coast Guard during WW II, and retired as a cosmetologist for L.S. Ayres.  She was a longtime active  member of the Faith United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the D.A.V. #19 in Elkhart.   Janell was very devoted to her family.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She would always make sure her family was well cared for at all times, and in every circumstance. 

Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 6, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend.  Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Emerson may be offered to Faith United Methodist Church, 802 E. Ewing Avenue, South Bend, IN 46613. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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