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Meredith Hope Emerson
Meredith Hope Emerson
Obituary
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Meredith Emerson Obituary
A native of Charleston, SC, Meredith was the daughter of David Lloyd and Susan Hope Emerson of Longmont, Colorado. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated with honors in French. Meredith loved to travel and spent time studying in France during her college years at UGA. She was a member of Delta Epsilon Iota, Honor Society, French Honor Society and an active martial arts student with a blue belt in akedo. Meredith had been actively training her dog Ella as a physical therapy dog. She will be well remembered and loved by the countless small children and their families for whom she babysat.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Mark David Emerson of Longmont, Colorado; grandmother, Dorothy Lewis; grandfather, Kenneth C. Emerson and Ella, her beloved dog and faithful companion.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, January 11th, at Central Presbyterian Church, Athens, GA. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local animal rescue society, the SPCA or The Humane Society.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Julianne
April 11, 2025
She will forever be remembered - her love for the outdoors and the beautiful mountains, her optimism and light filled smile.
Derold Harvie
April 8, 2024
Sorry for your loss.
Janice Bruemmer
February 21, 2024
May you rest in peace in God's hands. You will always be loved and missed.
Shawn Patty
August 6, 2023
I never knew Meredith. However, I have read her story and felt to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to her family and friends. She sounded like an phenomenal young lady.
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Geri Kowalski
January 4, 2020
I just saw Meredith's story on Dateline. I'm so sorry for your family. 25 is too young to die. You were a true fighter. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loved ones. Rest in peace Meredith.
G. Elswood
January 4, 2020
A brave, beautiful heroine...Rest in peace, sweet Meredith.
Robyn
January 2, 2020
I will never forget you!
Brian Schweio
December 30, 2019
I can't believe it has been all this time Meredith. I know you have got to be at peace and this is all I have to believe. I didn't know you but I was there for you hoping against hope when the world was brought in to find you. I posted the following in 2008 here and several other times. It's still true. God keep you at peace.
ITs quite incredible in a hikers world
a world of gradients, pathways and views
we came here to be one, to love and protect what we have
still we have to endure the hardship of uncertianty
transient things come through our world and go out
most of these are in the form of a lost dream of a thru hike not obtained
or a new presence of mind that the woods and mountians
are not the prefered cup o tea you thought it was
Then there are the ones who cant get enough
the ones who breath in and out the sigh of a mountain morning
or see the flight of an eagle tangent down towards a splay of fish
on the surface of a crystal clear mountain lake
the ones who have good friends half of which are "town" friends
the other half will know you deeper, a hiker friend shares THE VEIN
even if you have never met each other
the connection between them
the love that is binded into the land and the path
sometimes, rare times, an entity appears
when shadows overcome the world we love
shadows we cant combat until they are upon us
when the dark cant get back to the light
we will go back, we always do
we will do so with a heavy heart and the extra prayer for the memory
of the one who had the bright eyes and the one who had the funny laugh
we will search ourselves for something to make it all make sense
some of us will hurt in our hearts for a long time
some of us will try to keep it in, only to find out you cant
all of us who are entwined into this path...and each other
will forever remember
a life cut short can still remain in essence
Meredith's spirit is now in the wind
and the wind is all around us
breath it in and enjoy what it gives you
a knowledge that her smile is back
a heart tug will remind you she will still frequent the places she loved
she is no longer in the dark, she can never be hurt again
God speed to the recovery of her loved ones
senseless as all of this is, it is
prayers to let all see again the bright star she gave
let her spirit guide you, her radiance can still be a comfort
BRIAN SCHWEIKERT (LEVITTOWN, PA)
Brian Schweikert, Pennsylvania
Brian Schweikert (HIKER7s)
December 5, 2019
I swear, you cross my thoughts all the, time I am out on the trail or a outdoor outing. Still.
You were such a brave soul. I hope your rest has been in peace.
again, almost 11 years later, I reproduce what I wrote here in 2008.
I hope your family is well.
MY FOLLOWING EXPRESSION MUST BE THOUGHT OF FROM THE PASSION OF A HIKER. MEREDITH, I DIDNT KNOW YOU. THE HIKER COMMUNITY SUPPORTS YOUR MEMORY
ITs quite incredible in a hikers world
a world of gradients, pathways and views
we came here to be one, to love and protect what we have
still we have to endure the hardship of uncertianty
transient things come through our world and go out
most of these are in the form of a lost dream of a thru hike not obtained
or a new presence of mind that the woods and mountians
are not the prefered cup o tea you thought it was
Then there are the ones who cant get enough
the ones who breath in and out the sigh of a mountain morning
or see the flight of an eagle tangent down towards a splay of fish
on the surface of a crystal clear mountain lake
the ones who have good friends half of which are "town" friends
the other half will know you deeper, a hiker friend shares THE VEIN
even if you have never met each other
the connection between them
the love that is binded into the land and the path
sometimes, rare times, an entity appears
when shadows overcome the world we love
shadows we cant combat until they are upon us
when the dark cant get back to the light
we will go back, we always do
we will do so with a heavy heart and the extra prayer for the memory
of the one who had the bright eyes and the one who had the funny laugh
we will search ourselves for something to make it all make sense
some of us will hurt in our hearts for a long time
some of us will try to keep it in, only to find out you cant
all of us who are entwined into this path...and each other
will forever remember
a life cut short can still remain in essence
Meredith's spirit is now in the wind
and the wind is all around us
breath it in and enjoy what it gives you
a knowledge that her smile is back
a heart tug will remind you she will still frequent the places she loved
she is no longer in the dark, she can never be hurt again
God speed to the recovery of her loved ones
senseless as all of this is, it is
prayers to let all see again the bright star she gave
let her spirit guide you, her radiance can still be a comfort
BRIAN SCHWEIKERT (LEVITTOWN, PA)
Tina Jackson
September 9, 2019
I just seen Meredith's story on the ID channel, my heart just aches for the family, I'm so very sorry for your loss, such a beautiful woman, gone too soon, but never forgotten. RIP
Eddie Cole
January 1, 2019
Its hard to believe that its been 10 years since Merediths tragic passing! Her memory and courage live on and inspire us to make the most of each day were given, but also, to look after one another on the trail! Those who live in the hearts of others are never truly gone! RIP Meredith!
Karla
July 16, 2017
Was thinking about Meredith recently as my own daughter and her friends went to Blood Mountain to go hiking for the first time. I told her Meredith's story. We didn't know Meredith but we got to know of her while they were searching for her. She seemed to be a very nice and special person. God bless her and her family.
Keith Holcombe
January 1, 2017
Remembering your loss on this New Years day.
Stacey McCarty
January 3, 2016
I'm sorry for your loss, I think about Meredith sometimes and how smart and brave she was.
Keith Holcombe
August 28, 2015
I was thinking of the Emerson family this morning and the tremendous loss they suffered. My heart goes out to you guys....
Glenn Adams
June 20, 2015
Happy Birthday Meredith Hope Emerson; 'Trail Angel'..
January 16, 2015
I will never forget the day me and some friends went to blood mountain. We had just got on the main trail and saw a memorial to Meredith . It had been a year since the tragedy . I came home and did research to find out about it and have been following it ever since. I am so sorry for the family and want to tell the family there is never an instance when I think about the AT that I don't think about her. I hope she is looking down from above and know how much she is thought about.
Glenn Adams
October 18, 2014
Right To Hike 'Ella's Run today, promoting hiking safety while keeping her memory alive...
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2014/oct/16/ella8217s-run-fundraiser-for-right-to-hike-set/
God bless you Meredith...... You are an angel now, you were a very special person, that left me a lasting impression
Teresa Klein
August 15, 2014
I watched the special about Meredith on date line, it brought me to tears. Nobody like Meredith deserves to die, she had so much going for her. She was such a special person. I almost think......why is god letting me live , when I am nothing special. I would like to ell Meredith's familly how sorry I am for the pain they are going through. God bless Meredith.
glenn adams
July 2, 2014
RIP Meredith Hope Emerson; Trail Angel & Happy Birthday..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1D7ygV25YE
Michael
March 15, 2014
I didn't know you but your smile, heart and soul are not forgotten. Justice will be done.
phillilp barnes
January 19, 2014
sorry for your loss, i didn't know meredith, but after i became aware of what happened to her i felt deep sorrow for what happened to her and the loss your family has suffered.
god bless your family through this ordeal.
James Cowart
January 2, 2014
The cut was deep, but it is healing. Peace to those who visit here in memory.
Ingrid Whitworth
January 2, 2014
I think of you on every trail I hike and I am more aware of my surroundings because of you. You will never be forgotten.
Robyn
January 1, 2014
You will never be forgotten, I promise. My black lab rescued dog and I will forever be touched by this tragic story! Peace now for your Family and Friends!
glenn adams
December 31, 2013
Meredith Hope Emerson, loving, caring, an important part of nature, She and her dog Ella, loved the mountains and outdoors. Where the rhodendrum grow , the hemlock stand tall, and the Eagle soars, Just sitting marvelling at the appalachians; so majestic with splendor, She and Ella, playing, hiking, and bonding with love. The forest, inhabitants; birds, and deer meander, The meadows in Bucktown, will take your breath, and wild azaleas bloom, The sun rising high, the forest comes alive, the honey bees and Butterflys. Black bears just lumbering along, the birds singing mother nature's favorite song. Hikers come from all over to hike the AT, some hiking it short, some hiking it long, She and Ella thought of this as a paradise, for whatever it's worth, When they were one, with the earth, my only request is, and I pray, That they meet again on that endless Rainbow Bridge, entering Heaven , Someday. In nature she'll be missed, by family, friends, and loved ones. As our somber nation prays, she was my neighbor for just four days.
Wolfscratch
Kristen
December 7, 2013
You are gone. But never forgotten. You're story, though, tragic & painful, has touched many. Changes made in your honor. Rip Meredith. I'm sure you're watching over others & Esp Ella. God Bless.
Dee Dee W
November 5, 2013
I never knew Meredith but her story has stayed with me. I remember her every time I am walking in Pirkle Park and see the emergency call boxes.
T Kraemer
November 1, 2013
Meredith you will never be forgotten and you are an inspiration to us.
Tanya Kraemer
November 1, 2013
Even though I never knew Meredith personally she just shines through as such a beautiful person not only on the outside but more so on the inside .We will never forget you Meredith as as the days go by we will always think of you.
glenn adams
October 21, 2013
Meredith's memory and presence has shined her bright light on hiker safety and awareness across America..
Patrichia McGettigan
September 29, 2013
I thought of you last night. I know you are missed.
patrichia mcgettigan
July 14, 2013
Those who live in our hearts will never die.
July 12, 2013
You were brave and fought so hard. God called you home. Now you will have no fears. Spread your wings and fly. God Bless You Meredeth and may your family embrace your memories shared together and help find peace.
Eleanor Stephenson
July 11, 2013
You are one brave young lady. Saddens me deeply you were taken away before your time.
Danielle Beasley
April 26, 2013
I never knew you but.. Your. A strong woman I know your in a better place. May you rest in peace i'll never ever forget you. You'll always have a special place in my heart. Love !
glenn adams
March 29, 2013
http://worship.12stone.com/audio/project-lifesong/#prettyPhoto/0/
Hope Has Won...In Memory of Meredith Hope Emerson, She courageously sacrificed her life so that others could live...
WS
Bri-Anne Thomas
March 1, 2013
Meredith, please watch over the animals in peril on earth and provide them with some peace. I believe you already are. God Bless you
Remmy and Raven will keep you company in Heaven, Meredith. To leave this world at such a young age, I have to think your work here was done
March 1, 2013
Carla Conwright
February 5, 2013
Such a Beautiful Lady!! You Are Missed!!
glenn adams
February 5, 2013
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/361058/3/Budweiser-Clydesdale-gets-a-name
"HOPE"..
Brenda Law
January 1, 2013
~Remembering Meredith~
Steve
October 21, 2012
You will always be remembered. I know you are at peace with God and your bright smile is cast on all of us from above. Although I never knew you, I will never forget you while I'm on this earth. One day our souls will meet.
Woody (female)
September 19, 2012
I hike Blood Mtn now every New Years day..so many people do. Lots of daddys and little girls, grandpas and granddaughters. What an inspiration Meredith..you have let women 'take the trails back'. The trails are a safer, more aware place because of your life. Blessings. I know you await Ella at the Rainbow bridge.
Glenn Adams
September 19, 2012
Right to Hike - in memory of Meredith Hope Emerson..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1D7ygV25YE
Wolfscratch/Glenn Adams
corene rolfe
September 2, 2012
We are Very sorry for your loss , I lost my sister to a murderous predator back in 1984 and I have a young daughter of 22 that loves to hike and fish with her dog alone and after watching dateline about your daughter it brought out so many emotions in me and my husband that I immediatlely texted her about this. Your daughters memory will live in our minds, take care
Lisa
September 2, 2012
I love the photo of Meredith and Ella looking out at the small creek with their backs to the camera. As a single woman, about her age, with my own pup in CO and then moving to ATL, this really hit home for me. I see that picture and see myself. You are missed, even if I never knew you, you are me - I was you in those two places. A girl and her dog. God bless you and your family. You are not forgotten.
September 1, 2012
R.I.p.
June 21, 2012
Remembering You for your birthday and still never a day passes that I am not reminded of the terrible events that cut your life here short. You and my youngest daughter are the same age and I know the pain of losing a child, but I know in my heart you're out there somewhere, just like my daughter is.
Sarah Mcelroy
May 5, 2012
When I heard Merediths story on the news, as a 25 year old women living alone in Chicago I got scared. I started a running routine the next day as a means to be able to protect myself if anything so horrible were to come close to me. Now, 4 years later, I continue to run daily in Merediths memory.
glenn adams
April 17, 2012
Meredith Hope Emerson; a kindred spirit..
•Truly, loss is everywhere. Yet, each loss is unique … the history involved, the impact, the positive changes that follow. D.A. Hickman
'Right to Hike - in memory of Meredith Hope Emerson'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1D7ygV25YE
jenny worrall
February 29, 2012
my heart goes out to your family, such a terrible thing to happen to anyone but you also seem an amazing woman. Rest In Peace.
Stacy Davidson
February 8, 2012
Still thinking of you Meredith--may you rest in peace and may G-d always watch over your loved ones.
Lisa Rainwater
January 29, 2012
Meredith - My family is hiking the entire Appalachian Trail this year. You will be with us.
Gary Branson
January 7, 2012
I only today stumbled upon your story. Such a senseless and tragic death. May you rest in peace.
Robyn McKinney
January 3, 2012
I pray each day that the pain felt by those left behind will soften and become at least bearable one day. But for today, I cry with you for what could have and should have been.
Jane Bigham
December 24, 2011
May the Sweet Peace of our Lord flood your hearts and give you comfort at this very sad time in your lives...God bless you.
glenn adams
December 24, 2011
In Memory of Meredith 'Hope' Emerson -
What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.
Albert Pine..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1D7ygV25YE
Marti Michelle George
November 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
glenn adams
November 21, 2011
Amazing, that after almost four years later, Meredith Hope Emerson's light continues to shine...
judy childress
November 16, 2011
I did'nt know MEREDITH EMERSON..but since I saw the story of her brutal murder I think of of her everyday,,she was beautiful.It's hard for me to understand why ...I'm so sorry for the ones that loved her .A part of your life has been ripped away,a part you can't bring back...GOD is merciful...he has her now and that will get you through this ..smile for her ...peace...
November 7, 2011
Meredith we will always remember you, you were kind and loving and a joy to your family and friends. Rest in peace, Curt, Heidi and Josh
tony
August 30, 2011
may god bless your family and friends. you will always live in there hearts.
Katy
August 28, 2011
May Meredith rest in peace. May her family, friends and Ella find peace in knowing that they will all meet again in Heaven.
I'm so sorry for your loss,
Katy
glenn adams
August 28, 2011
Meredith 'Hope' Emerson is a kindred spirit and a fighter and courageously sacrificed her life so that others may live...
She is an inspiration to us all..
August 28, 2011
Beautiful Meredith and beautiful Ella....so much joy and such a touching and fine example, and you will be together again someday.
Julie
August 27, 2011
Rest in peace, dear Meredith. You have touched my heart profoundly and my prayers go out for healing to your family, friends, and all who knew and loved you. You made a positive difference in this world and you will never be forgotten.
August 27, 2011
God bless you, you are a beautiful angel in Heaven above.
Jenifer C
August 26, 2011
I just saw the story of your beautiful Meredith on NBC. I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has another angel.
May 25, 2011
May Meredith be in the arms of Jesus now. I'm sorry for your loss.
karen from Memphis
Jane Bigham
May 25, 2011
May the Lord give Meredith's family the peace and comfort that only He can provide. My prayers go with you in the coming weeks and months. Lean on the Lord and treasure every memory.
glenn adams
May 25, 2011
http://www.clarrissegill.com/videoclips/amazing_grace.php AMAZING GRACE
Here it is over three years later and Meredith Hope Emersons' memory remains in our hearts and prayers. Please warm the hearts of all your family and friends by passing this beautiful message in a song. Enjoy and Be Blessed Abundantly!
WS
william west
April 15, 2011
may god bless and watch over the family of meredith emerson my deepest sympathy to you meredith is now in heaven and is watching over you my thoughts and prayers are with you
glenn adams
March 18, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0PKcKbjlKg
Wolfscratch
cindy pound
March 3, 2011
just remember her so often and her courage . i never even knew her but i live in blairsville and hiked that trail so many many times .... i feel some relief that her murderer has been convicted and sentenced to death in Fl.
she became a hero to many locals here
Glenn Adams
February 23, 2011
In memory of Meredith Hope Emerson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W44Ndo0mm4&feature=related
glenn adams
February 7, 2011
Meredith Hope Emerson will never be forgotten. My Granddaughter adopted a puppy:abby, from the dawson co humane society; a non uthenize facility last week. A group of my friends took up a collection for her.
While there, I adopted a jack russel mix: snoop dog; the fire dog.
The DCHS is only a rock's throw from where 'Ella' was located..
Sheriel Veader
January 25, 2011
I never knew Meredith but felt like I've known her forever-even after years have gone by I still remember her and think about her and her death- as a fellow animal-lover I feel she is truly an angel in the physical sense, looking over all the animals from above. Meredith you will live on through every animal that is adopted and saved from death-may you rest in peace knowing that you were a special person who gave love unconditionally
glenn adams
January 24, 2011
After over 3 very long years, Meredith Hope Emerson, is still remembered. Her courage, sacrifice, and kindred spirit has touched the hearts of many all across our great nation.
Robyn McKinney
January 14, 2011
Meredith Hope Emerson, you will never be forgotten.
Donna Hamel
January 12, 2011
I still think of Meredith often- she touched so many as she did me. I will not forget her.
Brenda Law
January 5, 2011
To everyone who knew and loved Meredith, I offer my condolences. I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about her today. She is at peace now and no one will ever hurt her again. She will never be forgotten.
Michelle Lehmann
October 25, 2010
This story continues to haunt me. I read about it the day she was missing. At that time, I too was a 24 year old hiker/runner with a female lab...my trust in humanity has forever been changed...I am much more timid in my outdoor adventures...what a terrible thing...my prayers are with her and her family/loved ones left behind.
glenn adams
September 15, 2010
Meredith Hope Emerson, is a source of inspiration for us all...
http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
glenn adams
July 14, 2010
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jXrmAKBBTU
glenn adams
July 11, 2010
Although Meredith Hope Emerson's life was short , she touched hearts from all over the US and beyond. She gives us all Strength, Faith, and most of all Hope...
In GA, a decade old murder was solved in GA due to Meredith's DNA Law. A Felon's DNA was matched. He was ruled out due to prison confinement. It was his twin brother...
June 28, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
glenn adams
June 26, 2010
Although Meredith Hope Emerson's life was short , she touched hearts from all over the US and beyond. She gives us all Strength, Faith, and most of all Hope...
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