Emily Mae Dryden

Emily Mae Dryden, 95 of Hannibal, MO passed away at 2:07 PM Friday, April 25, 2025 at her home. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Antioch Baptist Cemetery in rural Hannibal, MO. Pastor Lee Woodmansee will officiate. There will be no visitation. The family is being served by the James O'Donnell Funeral Home of Hannibal, MO. Emily was born on May 28, 1929 in Lakenan, MO to Leonard Lee Brooks and Eldor Virginia Edwards Brooks. She was married to Lawrence Dryden on July 30, 1946 in Hannibal, MO. He preceded her in death on December 14, 2002. Also preceding Emily in death were her parents, one daughter in law, Glenda Dryden, four sisters: Rose, Betty, Mary and Pauline; two brothers: Kenneth Wayne and Leonard Jr. and several nieces and nephews. Survivors include one daughter, Yettive Houser (Bill) of Hannibal, MO; two sons: Larry M. Dryden (Joy) of Hannibal, MO and Terry Dryden (Joella) of Hannibal, MO; six grandchildren: Bill Houser Jr. (Tabitha), Larry Dryden Jr. (Contessa), Robert Eric Dryden (Jasmine), Shawn Dryden (Amber), Shala Dryden (Larnell) and Jessie Dryden (Lio); seven great grandchildren: Deidre Capoeman (Shiva), Drake Johnston, Emanuel Dryden, Makayla Dryden, Chloe Dryden, Ethan Dryden, Emma Dryden and Logan Wojcik, several great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, including two special nieces, Debbie and Penny. Emily was a homemaker. She was a wonderful baker and made the best pies and Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake. Family gatherings around Christmas, watching the fireworks at her house over the Fourth of July and playing games on New Year's Eve were some of Emily's favorites. She also enjoyed occasional trips to the boat to play the slots and watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball. Most of all Emily cherished her family and the moments they shared together. Emily was a Christian by faith. Pallbearers will be Bill Houser Jr., Shawn Dryden, Drake Johnston, Billy Brooks, Jeff Smashey and Jodd Smashey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Emily's grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emily, please visit our floral store.