Emily Edwards Dantzler

Emily Edwards Dantzler, 41, of Athens passed away on April 28, 2025 at her home surrounded by her husband Jeff and her family and friends.

Emily was born in Athens, Georgia on February 18, 1984 at St. Mary’s Hospital to Phyllis and Keith Edwards. After graduating from Jackson High School in 2002, she began her pursuit of a Psychology degree at the University of Georgia with the ultimate goal of educating and enriching youth as a teacher.

With her degree from her beloved UGA achieved in 2007; along with, a Masters in Education from Piedmont College in 2012, Emily held a 13 year teaching tenure with the Jackson County School System at South Jackson Elementary. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication not only to her students, but also to her colleagues who were also some of her closest friends.

Emily had the gift of connecting with her students, where they felt the love and support of being in her family. However that also came with the expectation of being stalwarts inside and outside of the classroom. She achieved this personal high grade with countless number of her pupils, who are now furthering their education at the college level. All those students should know they will forever have their Guardian Angel Emily by their sides as they enter the workplace and the other challenges of adult life.

Emily was devout in her faith. Much like her tenacity towards quality teaching, she was steadfast in her belief of the Holy Father. This devotion was a constant aid to her and those around her in her fight against cancer during the last 18 months. She was filled with grace and vigor to the very end, which was displayed in her earning a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in April 2025 from Kennesaw State University.

Emily was also extremely loyal in her love of the Georgia Bulldogs. In fact, it led to her meeting the love of her life, Jeff, in 2014. Four years later, they were married on July 19, 2018 surrounded by loving friends and family in the Golden Isles of Georgia.

The life of a spouse of a play-by-play announcer required nights and weekends being apart from her husband, but she was Jeff’s No. 1 fan and supporter. Nothing gave her more pride and joy than hearing his voice painting the picture for the Bulldog Nation.

Emily and Jeff, along with their adored canine children Albus and Hermie, loved spending any opportunity they could on St. Simons Island. Like for so many, the enchanting marshes of Glynn and the Atlantic Ocean provided a sanctuary where their special bond grew stronger with every visit. They also never missed the opportunity to hit their favorite eateries like Frederica House, Mallery Street Cafe and Bennie’s Red Barn. And their last stop, when they kicking and screaming had to head back to Athens, was always Skipper’s in Darien.

Emily’s equal love of Jeff was her younger sister Jenny (Tolley). She cherished all the time they had together and was especially proud of Jenny’s pursuit and achievement of becoming a nurse and then advancing to a nurse practitioner. When Jenny and her husband Spencer gave birth to Edward Theodore “Teddy” on March 18, 2024, no one beamed more than Emily when gazing into the beautiful blue eyes of her nephew. It’s Emily’s hope that Jenny and Spencer will always remind Teddy that his Guardian Angel Aunt Emily is forever by his side.

Emily is survived by husband Jeff of Athens, her parents Phyllis and Keith of Hoschton, her sister Jenny (Spencer) Tolley and her nephew Teddy of Athens, her mother-in-law Frances Dantzler of Statesboro and father-in-law Marion (Patti) Dantzler of Conneaut Lake, Pa.

The family extends their heartful thanks to all of Emily’s friends that provided so much love and support. She adored all of you and fully expects you to take care of her beloved Jeff.

A celebration of life service will be held at Athens First United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 with a reception to follow in Athens First UMC’s Hancock Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Three Dog Night Rescue: Three Dog Night Rescue Wishlist

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com