Ann Emory

Ann Marie Prosser Emory, 93, of East Prairie passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at her home.

Memorial services will take place on Tuesday, February 3 at the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church in East Prairie. Visitation will start at 11:00 a.m. until the Funeral at 1:00 p.m. Pastors Beth Allen and George White will officiate.

Ann was born on February 12, 1932 in Charleston, Missouri to John and Florentine Prosser, who preceded her in death - along with two brothers, John Alton and Maurice Prosser. She graduated from Charleston High School in 1950, then from Missouri Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. She started her nursing career as an obstetrics nurse at Missouri Baptist Hospital, then worked at the Mississippi County Health Department as a public health nurse. Ann touched many lives as Mississippi County's first school nurse, serving East Prairie, Pinhook, and Dorena Schools throughout her 25 year career as a school nurse. Ann also worked with Dr. A.L. Weaver, delivering babies and caring for patients at Missouri Delta Medical Center, the East Prairie Nursing Home, Ferguson Medical Group, and Beauton's Drug. Throughout her career, Mrs. Emory impacted many lives as she met the needs of those around her - providing not just medical care, but clothing, glasses, food, nurturing, faith, love, and fellowship.

Ann met her husband of 64 years at their Methodist Youth Fellowship when she was in the eighth grade. On August 3, 1956, Ann married Jack Emory, who preceded her in death on December 30, 2020. Ann, lovingly known to family and friends as "Punkin" is survived by her daughter, Tracy Krauss (Chris) of East Prairie and her children Stacy (Chris) Niehaus, Seth (Brittany) Hall, and Shayna (Adam) Curtsinger; Jeff (Cathy) Emory of Kansas City and his daughters Jackie (Nathan) Burditt and Alex Emory; and Beth (Mark) Poore of East Prairie and her children Jessica (Joel) Clements, Jacob (Sarah) Poore. Punkin's beloved great-grandchildren include: Jayden, Joslyn and Calista Clements, Kyla and Emma Niehaus, Guyton and Margot Poore, Emory and Olivia Burditt, Jack Hall, and Leah Curtsinger.

Mrs. Emory added to the legacy of healthcare professionals as a high school Staff and Serpent Club sponsor, an organization that encourages and supports healthcare careers. A charter member of the East Prairie Gardening Club, Past President of the Mississippi County Health Department Board of Directors, member of the Community Betterment Club, Chamber of Commerce, President of the Business and Professional Women's Club in Charleston, Worthy Matron of the East Prairie Order of the Eastern Star, and champion of Adult Education, Ann was incredibly honored to be named East Prairie Woman of the Year in 2001, an accolade that recognized her service, loyalty, and faith. Ann was a proud member of the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church for nearly 70 years. Her service to the church included being a member of the Bell Choir, a Sunday School and Bible School leader, volunteering at the Flame of Hope Food Pantry, and creating stained glass windows for the Dogwood Methodist Church.

Ann's hobbies included making stained glass art, sewing, knitting, embroidery, and acrylic painting. She made baby quilts for her great-grandchildren and embroidered dish towels for her friends. She was a devout Christian and incredibly proud of her God, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Jack and Ann treasured the annual extended family vacations to Kentucky Lake. Those trips were full of food, games, and fun - with the infectious sound of her laughter ringing through the cabins. Ann considered her family, her faith, her career, and her friends to be her treasured blessings and frequently said, 'Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well.' Ann certainly used her 93 years to leave a legacy of service, dedication, and love.

Interment will immediately follow the service at East Prairie Memorial Park under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Burditt, Joel Clements, Adam Curtsinger, Carl Moore, Chris Niehaus, and Jacob Poore.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Sonny Allen, Bill Brewer, Ronnie Byassee, Mike Hogan, Fieldin LaPlant, Butch McHaney, Coy Redferring, and Joe Sorrells.

Memorial donations may be made to Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church, Flame of Hope Food Pantry, Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation, or the East Prairie Nutrition Center.

Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie is in charge of arrangements.

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