Emily F. Mitchell 1942—2016Emily Faye Mitchell, age 73, passed away on March 26, 2016 at Stephenson Nursing Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Emily was born on December 14, 1942 in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, the daughter of Sam and Bonnie Layne. Emily married Thurman Mitchell on December 14, 1960, in Chicago, IL. She had various jobs throughout her life. She was a very hard worker, and good at whatever she did. Emily enjoyed her grandchildren, being in the garden, canning and traveling. She had a great love for her family. No one was a stranger to her. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Thurman Mitchell of Freeport; son, James (Christina) Mitchell of Ridott; daughter, Penny (Terry) Erickson of Leonard, MN.; 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, John Layne of Flagstaff, AZ., and Fred Welsh of Phoenix, AZ.; sister, Rosalee (David) Guy of Dandridge, TN.; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, 2 sisters, Linda Pavlis and Kathy Rivera who were both of Chicago. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday April 1, 2016 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Pastor Bill Blomberg will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. also at Burke Tubbs. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Emily's memory. Please sign her guestbook and share a story at www.burketubbs.com.