Emma Michael Betsill

Marietta Monitor

July 26, 2002, page 4

Submitted by: Martha N. Reddout Courtesy of Ray and Mrs. E. Weathers

A Celebration of the life of Emma Michael Betsill, 11, of Fort Worth, Texas, was held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 22, in the Unity Church of Fort Worth.

Emma died Saturday, July 13, 2002, in a plane crash along with her father, Jerry Betsill of Fort Worth, her cousin and dear friend, Meredith Fenimore of Dallas, and her second cousin, Steve Betsill of Maui, Hawaii, while vacationing in Hawaii.

Emma was a beautiful, vibrant, joyful child filled with love and light. Her passion for life, her energy, optimism and her excitement were contagious to all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

She was a natural leader -- even at her young age -- always expecting the best out of herself and inspiring the best in others. She was an exceptional student at Lilly B. Clayton Elementary School where she had been active in the chess club, choir, Destination Imagination and student patrol.

Emma was an athlete. She played basketball and ran 5K races. But Emma loved nothing better than playing soccer. She played select soccer for Texas Image '91, and she was so proud of her team and her teammates.

Emma loved her parents, she loved her little brother, she loved her extended family and she loved her friends and her pets. The bright shining light, and "wise beyond her years" child that Emma was will be missed by many, many people for a very long time.

Survivors include her mother Laura Hilgart and five-year-old brother, Sam Betsill, both of Fort Worth, grandparents, Virginia Hilgart of Marietta, and Billy Joe and Ruth Betsill of Fort Worth; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and teammates.

Services were under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home of Fort Worth.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jerry and Emma Betsill Memorial Fund, in care of Broude Smith and Jennings PC, 309 West 7th Street, Suite 1100, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.