Emily Austin Rhoads

May 11, 1987 - August 16, 2014

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Second Baptist Church

217 W. Depot St.

Greenville, KY 42345

Wednesday 8/20, 10:00 am

service

Second Baptist Church

217 W. Depot St.

Greenville, KY 42345

Wednesday 8/20, 1:00 pm

LEXINGTON – Emily Austin Rhoads, age 27, born May 11, 1987, in Greenville, Kentucky died on August 16, 2014, in Lexington, Kentucky of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was a 2005 graduate of Muhlenberg South High School. In 2009, she graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Emily was a benefits proposal analyst at Assured Neace Lukens in Lexington, Kentucky. She also continued her college job one night a week at the Chop House where she was loved by the “regulars.” She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Greenville. Emily had an amazing sense of adventure and loved to travel. One of her most memorable trips was the summer she spent in Malaga, Spain. Emily, described by many as authentic, loving, beautiful inside and out, loved life. She demonstrated that love by her desire to be an organ donor. Her heart, liver, and kidneys are giving life to three different individuals. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Willis and Margaret Sumner, paternal grandfather, Haskell E. Rhoads, two aunts, Susan Sumner and Nelda Sumner, and an uncle, Kent Rhoads. She is survived by her parents, John and Martha Rhoads of Greenville; her grandmother, Wanda Heath of Belton; two brothers, Travis (Lisa) Rhoads of Brandenburg and Eric Shelton(Kelly Hollimon) of Greenville; one sister, Kerry (Jeff) Mansir of Gardiner, Maine; three nieces, Neeli Rhoads, Catherine and Sarah Mansir; three nephews, Bryant Rhoads, Patrick Mansir, and Sumner Shelton; uncles, Doug (Tassie) Sumner of Louisville, David (Gena) Sumner of Grainger, Indiana, and Brad Heath of Belton; aunts, Sarah (Rick) Hempel of Danville, Pam (Curtis) Perry of Dunmor, Trina Rhoads of Frankfort, and many cousins. She is also survived by her Lexington “family,” Joel Ewing, Alyssa Hawkins, Trish Mattison, Kim Reed, and her dog, Jack. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 1:00PM at Second Baptist Church in Greenville, with Rev. Bob Thurman officiating, assisted by Chris Dennis. Burial in Lewisburg Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday after 10:00AM at the church. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Second Baptist Church Youth Department. Envelopes will be available at the church. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.

Tucker Funeral Home

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Second Baptist Church

217 W. Depot St.

Greenville, KY 42345

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Wednesday 8/20, 10:00 am

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Second Baptist Church

217 W. Depot St.

Greenville, KY 42345

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Wednesday 8/20, 1:00 pm

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I remember her from school. She was great to be around. So sad to hear this. My best to her family

Martha and John, Our family just wanted to reach out and express our profound sorrow and sympathy to you and your family. Even though we didn't know Emily other than seeing her briefly at the lake this summer, we can tell through her picture and her smile that she was a loving child of God. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. With sympathy, Tracy, Debra, Cameron and Grace Thacker

Emily, you have the same birthday as mine. My heart goes out to your wonderful mother whom I have known for years. No love is greater on earth than that of a Mother. Rest in peace dear child and remain in God's arms.

You are probably the nicest person on earth. I will never forget your beautiful smile and your warm heart. Thank you Emily. I was so happy with you while I was in the high school and math classes. Love you.

I hope this isn't inappropriate but I wanted to share with Emily's parents that I helped tend to her at the scene of her accident. I want them to know that she was not alone, she was cared for by myself (I am an RN), and a wonderful UPS driver who is also an EMT and volunteer firefighter. We talked to her and held her neck stable until the EMS crews arrived. I called my daughter who is Emily's age on my way to the meeting I was headed to once they flew Emily to the hospital, just to hear her voice and ask her to pray for Emily. She called me on Sunday to tell me that she had just heard more about the wreck and it was Emily, one of her Alpha Delta Pi sisters from UK. Emily must have been a wonderful, dear sweet girl and I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I was lucky enough to get to know Emily over the last year working at Neace Lukens. She was one of the very first friends I made when I started working here. I always called her "Sunshine" because of her beautiful and radiant smile, personality and energy. Even though I only knew her for a short time- it feels as if I have a lifetime of wonderful memories of her. I loved hearing her infectious laughter from across the hall. I feel blessed and honored that I got to see her and work with her everyday. Emily was usually one of the first people I saw every morning when I came in to the office. She was such a joy to work with, and made our entire office a happier place to be. She brought us silliness and genuine friendship. You were not allowed to have "bad" day with Emily around! Our office will never be the same, but we will always carry her in our hearts. Our lives are 100% better for having known her. I will always cherish my precious memories of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this excruiatingly difficult time. I know there are no words that could be expressed that can take away the pain; but I hope that our loving words and memories of sweet Emily can bring some form of comfort to you. Thank you for blessing and sharing your beautiful Angel with us. I pray that God will help to heal your broken heart. I pray that Emily is watching over you now, and is wrapping her arms around you.

Martha, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I never knew Emily and I do not know her Family. What I do know is that was a very compassionate and giving person. To make it known that she wanted to give the gift of Life to others is a loving and selfless act. More people should follow the example set by this young woman. May her Family find comfort in the many precious memories of their Precious Child. Rest in Peace Emily.

I am part of those living in Louisville, that Tassie and Doug called on for prayer. I am mourning with you, your family, and friends. I am asking the Lord to carry you, comfort you, and "cover you with His pinions, and that under His wings, you wlll trust and find refuge," one day at a time. HUGS!

“The soul takes flight to a world that is invisible, and there arriving she is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.”

Life is fleeting, memories are sweet for the many Emily left behind. Comfort each other as we should in our times of sorrow and mourning. She was my daughter-in-law's best friend and gave tirelessly of her time and generosity to help Kim and Justin Reed at their recent wedding. She was also a good friend to my youngest son, Steven Reed, who is completely heartbroken. We are all thankful for the time we got to spend with Emily while we were blessed with her presence. Rest easy, you will be missed.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Emily's family, friends and all so blessed to have loved and known her. Emily's beautiful smile, joyous spirit and kindness of heart was so genuine to those that even met her briefly.

Praying for the family of Emily! So sorry for your loss!

I didn't know Amy but just knowing that she wanted to help people by being an organ donor tells me a lot. Also seeing that she had so many friends and most of all that she was a Christian and loved the Lord. My prayers are with all of you during these difficult times. Sue Shocklee

Emily was so sweet and so sassy at the same time. The loss of her will be felt for years to come. I love knowing that through organ donation she has given life to others. Rest in Peace Emily!

John and Martha, we were saddened at the news of the loss of your beautiful daughter, Emily. Elaine and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

To the Family of Emily Rhoads: I did not know Emily; but after reading about her passing, I had to say how terribly sorry I am. My heart is touched by the many things she had done and was doing in her life. No family should have to ever suffer such a terrible loss. Just know she is your Angel now; and always watching over you. God Bless each of you & may he wrap all of you in his loving arms today and always and give you the comfort you are going to need.

John & Martha, We are so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. We are praying for your family at this time that God will hold you in His care and comfort you in the days ahead.

There are never the right words to express the sorrow and grief in losing someone so dear to you, Martha my prayers to you and your family

Martha, I cannot imagine the pain and loss you feel, I pray for strength to endure the days ahead. Dee Brown

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Martha, my heart is with you every moment and my prayers for you never cease. Love you, Lola

My deepest sympathy to the Rhoads family at this time of such a tragic loss. Emily was like a beacon of light to everyone she came in contact with. Her smile could brighten your day in an instant. She spoke of her family often with such love and pride. A beautiful young lady who was always willing to help out anyway she could. She will be truly missed by everyone who knew her and her light continues to shine in those whose lives she has saved. God will continue to give her family and all of us who were blessed to know her comfort in the days ahead.

Martha - I wish I knew of the right words (if any) to ease your pain. I can't began to imagine the grief that you and your family are going through. I pray that in some small way that you will find comfort in your fondest memories and by knowing that God had a better plan for Emily in the Heavens above.. He must be short on Angels. May it also bring you peace and comfort knowing that her spirit will live on & extend the lives of those she so gracious blessed by leaving her organs behind. My heart is aching for you and your family, With much Love Janet Head

Martha & John, No words are adequate to express my sorrow for you on the loss of Emily. The poet Aeschylus once wrote: "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom, through the awful grace of God". I cannot fathom wisdom out of such tragedy, but I trust that the grace of God will be with you, now and evermore. Karen Newman

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Love you all!

Martha and John, I am so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all.

John, Martha and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers. Emily will forever be a light shining around everyone whose life she touched. She will be fondly remembered. My sympathies, Barbara Willoughby

Martha, I don't have the words to express how very sorry I am about Emily. You and the entire family have been in our prayers since we heard the tragic news. God bless you and comfort you during the days ahead.

John and Martha, although I didn't know Emily, I know she couldn't help but be a beautiful person because of you two. I am praying for you all. I love you all very much.

We are so sorry for your loss. We too lost a child who was 23 years old and know the unbearable grief you are going through. We will pray for you daily. We were friends with Kent and Trina, so we know that your family has been through a lot of pain in the past year.

Martha, I remember the little Emily that went to Joanie's everyday with Ashleigh and all the kids and that was all I could think of when I heard this. She was so full of life and energy. Looking at this beautiful picture, I see you in her eyes and know she was as full of life and energy up to the end as she was as that small girl. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now, but know you are loved by so many. Thank you for allowing us to share Emily through the years. When I heard of the organ donations, the only thought was how much like you she really was, always helping others. In my thoughts and prayers..... Debbie

Martha I know words can not begin to take away the pain and grief you are feeling. I am so happy that you have the Lord and your wonderful Church family to help you through this heart breaking event. I pray your memories of your beautiful Emily and that she lives on through her "gifts of life" help ease your sorrow. God Bless you all.

Emily and I attended GSP together during the summer of 2004. My heart sank when I saw this posted from another GSP alum. Emily became such a close friend during those six weeks, her smile and laughter was infectious, and her kindness was shared among everyone she met. We had this joke at GSP that she and I found hilarious and whenever I'd see her in the subsequent years we'd still laugh about it even though we forget how it even started. We'd say "The flock flies east at sunrise" and then we'd laugh like kids who created a secret world together that no one else understood. My heart goes out to to Emily's family and friends who are hurting now as deeply as I do. May she rest in peace and may her flock always fly east at sunrise.

Martha, so very sorry to hear about Emily. Will keep you in my prayers.

Martha, my heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family.

To the Rhoads family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I cannot imagine the hurt that comes with this. May God give you comfort and strength in the long journey ahead.

Martha, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter. May the Lord be with you and give you peace. Prayers for the entire family. My heart goes out to you all.

Emily, I will miss your sweet spirit and generous heart. I am so thankful for getting to call you my friend for the past 3 years. Although I cannot be there to honor you this week, my heart is there with your loved ones. I extend my deepest sympathies to your family and other friends. I love you. I will see you again. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit" -Psalm 34:18

My thoughts and prayers are with your family Martha

Martha and family You are in my prayers at this time and the days ahead.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Martha and family I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

John and Martha, Kerry, Travis and all those who loved her..my heart breaks for you.. May God comfort you as only He can do.

Martha and john im so sorry to hear about emily. I will keep you in my prayers

Words cannot explain the hurt in my heart, the regrets and the despair. You were my best friend. I will always remember the great times. From the crazy college years ("Mommy likey") to our Vegas trip earlier this year. So many things have changed throughout the year but my love for you was never one of them. You are truly loved and missed!!! You may be gone but you will never ever be forgotten. My prayers go out to ALL that are hurting.

You generous donation of your organs for the life of others is amazing. Something that we don't think about as we make that decision but your life now blesses others. May God provide your family with many lasting memories of your life and the life that now goes on thru others. God Bless your family and provide them peace in such a tragic ending.

You were such a warm and welcoming person to everyone who was blessed enough to know you. I can't imagine not seeing that radiant smile every day. You will live in our hearts forever and will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace, Sweet Girl.

It's hard to find words to express the sadness in my heart for all who had the pleasure to know sweet Emily. I will surely miss her laughter and her bright smile that lit up her eyes. I pray for healing and strength for the lives she saved with her gift of organ donation and for her family and friends struggling to cope with this sudden and tragic loss. May God bless and comfort all in need during this most difficult time.

Martha and I played cards together before I moved to Owensboro in 1985. Emily was not born yet, so I did not get to know this obviously beautiful and amazing young woman. . . so much like her mom. My prayers of comfort are with all of you.

Dear Emily's family and friends: I didn't know Emily, but felt like I did through our mutual friend, Trish Mattison. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May you find rest and comfort in God. I am so sorry for your loss.

Emily has been a long time member of the Neace Lukens wellness team, known as the Corporate Engagement Team and has served as a champion for wellness in her Lexington office for many years now. She was a valued member of the team and was an inspiration to so many of her fellow wellness team members as well as her Lexington office family. Her strength as a wellness ambassador was in her passion for helping others and her ability to lead by example. And although she was a wellness champion, it was her kind and loving spirit that made her a friend. On behalf of all of the Neace Lukens Corporate Engagement team, We will miss you always Emily. In honor of Emily's life, a $100.00 donation to one of Emily's favorite charities, The Ronald McDonald House is being made by her fellow Corporate Engagement team members.

I am so very sorry about the loss of Emily Rhoads, a precious, beautiful, talented, young woman Emily showed her love for the Lord by the way she lived and no doubt touched more lives in her 27 years than some of us will in a lifetime. Emily was beautiful inside and out. She actually reminded me a lot of her aunt Nelda when she was younger. She had that special sparkle and love for people that was just natural.. We will miss her terribly. My prayers and thoughts go out to John, Martha, brothers and sister co-workers, friends and all who knew and loved her. My heart is heavy but our loss is heavens gain.

I had the pleasure of meeting Emily at Kim Reed's recent wedding. She was beautiful, poised and full of confidence--and her smile lit up the room. My prayers continue for her family and friends as they journey through the grieving process. The world has lost a beautiful soul.

I had the pleasure of working with Emily one summer at Maple Manor when I was the Administrator of the nursing home. We just loved her. She would hit the door ready to help out in any way she could. She always made us laugh with her funny stories. What a pretty pretty girl. In the short summer we worked together I found Emily to be a strong Christian. She was excited about life and going to college. When I received the call from Maple Manor I sat at my kitchen table and cried for her and her Mother Martha. I truly am sorry for you Martha. I know you too have a ton of faith and I know The Dear Lord will find a way for you and yours. Many prayers for you..... Love Lynn Renee Steinwachs. Henderson Ky

So sorry for your loss. Assured Neace Lukens has lost a member of their family as well. God Bless You All.

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Emily was one of those extremely rare people you meet with the best attitude and brightest smile, regardless of the situation. Her outlook on life was inspiring, and I am deeply saddened by her passing. My sincerest condolences to all of her family and friends; may peace be with you during this time.

God be with you.

Heartbroken to learn the sad news of Emily's passing. I was honored to have known her and worked with her at my previous job. She always had such a positive attitude and a warm, welcoming demeanor. I will miss her sweet smile. I pray that our Heavenly Father will grant comfort and peace that passes all understanding to her family and loved ones; may they find strength in Him in the days that lay ahead. May you rest in blessed peace, my friend. God must've had a greater plan for your life that we could ever imagine or understand.

We will all miss Emily, who is truly one of Gods angels. She was a big part of our office and made work a fun place. Your smile & happiness will always be a part of our Lexington office & co-workers.

I am so sorry for your loss. Emily was a beautiful young woman who I know will be missed by anyone who knew her. I was with Emily the first 15 minutes after the crash. I held her and stayed with her until the Fire-Department arrived and was able to get her out. Having lost a son myself under similar circumstances I know what you are experiencing is almost unbearable. God bless you and your family and I pray you find comfort knowing that one day you will see her again in heaven. From what I read she was a very remarkable young lady which is evidenced by the fact that she is giving life to three other people. She has touched my life considerably. GOD BLESS YOU

Understanding the family's heartbreak and hoping for their strength. Reflecting on fond memories of Emily's time in my classroom at Greenville Elementary. Love to the parents and family.

Rest in peace sweet Emily :) I haven't seen you in quite some time but your stories of life and living always made me feel so young! Loved by so many and will be missed by just as much...your legacy lives on Emily. Give my Mom a hug. You are now in the hands of the Lord and nothing can hurt you now. Prayers to your family in this extremely difficult time.

Beautiful girl! My condolences to the family and friends who will miss her. May God wrap his arms around you during this time of loss. May God also bless those who will benefit from her donated organs. Prayers and Blessings for you all!

My heart is broken for all of you and you will continue to be in my prayers.

Martha, My heart is breaking for you, John and the rest of the family as you grieve the loss of your precious, beautiful daughter, Emily. You all have been in our hearts and prayers since learning of this tragedy. I am so sorry that I will be unable to come to the service, but I will be lifting you all up to our Lord, asking Him to hold you steadfast in His loving embrace. Sending you much love and prayers my dear friend, Alice and Ted

Martha, my heart broke upon hearing of your loss. Our family has been through so much in so little time. I know in my heart that Emily is up in Heaven looking down upon us. She is not alone. All that have gone before us are with her. I am keeping you, John and the rest of the family in my thoughts and prayers.

Martha, Lisa and The Rhoads family, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Emily. May God comfort you during this difficult time. With prayers and deepest sympathy.

Martha I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I will be praying for your family.

Martha....there are no words to express how my heart breaks for you. Someday we will understand why things like this happen, but unti then, please know you are loved by so many. Heaven has a new beautiful angel that will forever be in your heart and by your side.

Martha I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of a young life full of potential. I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a child. I will always remember Emily from playing together at church lock-ins. I pray God will wrap you in the comfort of knowing you raised well the child he lent you for just a little while, and that she had an impact on the lives around her. Praying for you.

A Pair of Shoes I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes. Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes. Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them. I get funny looks wearing these shoes. They are looks of sympathy. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs. They never talk about my shoes. To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But, once you put them on, you can never take them off. I now realise that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in this world. Some women are like me and ache daily as they try and walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don’t hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt. No woman deserves to wear these shoes. Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman. These shoes have given me the strength to face anything. They have made me who I am. I will forever walk in the shoes of a woman who has lost a child. Having walked in these ugly shoes I am praying for Emily's family & friends during this unspeakable time. May God keep you and hold you up in the coming days and months.

Martha, I am so sorry for your loss. Having recently lost my own beautiful daughter, I can certainly empathize. I pray that God will wrap his arms around you & give you & your family the strength to hold each other up through this difficult time.

Rest in Paradise sweet lady!

We miss you already Emily. Your hard work ethic and contagious smile was encouraging.

God looked down from on high and said, I had a Son whom I sent to earth to save all mankind. He walked among you with love for all and malice toward none. He gave his life for yours and I brought Him home to rule heaven by my side. I had a daughter whom I sent to earth to show mankind I still love my children. She had a loving heart and a beautiful smile that shined like heaven above. Her gifts were many, her faults were few but most of all I missed her and needed my angel back by my side. WELCOME HOME EMILY…. She is gone from our sight but never from our hearts….

Sweet Emily thanks for all your help with training me to work the from desk at Neace. You were a very sweet and kind person with a beautiful smile take way to soon God had a plan we may never know rest in Gods hands and watch over us till we meet again. Love Cindi

I am so blessed to have gotten to meet you in person. Your sweet personality and enthusiasm in your work made you such a joy to work with. You will be missed by so many--some who never even met you in person. You touched a lot of lives, Emily. Rest in peace.

I feel so blessed to have had her in my life for a few short years. I remember when we started working together at the Chop House and I couldn't help but adore her. Emily was such a wonderful friend and was always so positive and fun. So many of my memories in Lexington were made with her. She will be greatly missed. I am continuing to pray for her family, friends and chop house family. Love you Em! Rest easy beautiful girl!

It was a pleasure to know you and to work with you! You will be missed. Rest in peace!

John and Martha, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Emily. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I was very fortunate to have taught Emily when she was in the 8th grade. She was a very bright, intelligent student. I always enjoyed her and her class. I'm so sorry. Carol Cook

Our relationship was full of so many intertwined feelings and emotions, especially as of late. But in the end you were my sister in law and I welcomed you and loved you as that. Everything aside there is no doubt you will be missed and I know you will live on. My heart goes out to the rhoads family as well as our family, the kapps and all friends whose life she had touched.

You were such a sweetheart with a wonderful smile. Kind to everyone you met. Gone from us way too soon. May God wrap his loving arms around your family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.