Emily Grace Allen

Emily Grace Allen, 18, of Millstadt, Illinois, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022. She was born on December 18, 2003, at Missouri Baptist Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri, the first child of Christopher John and Sara Joan (Newsum) Allen. Emily was a 2022 graduate of Belleville West High School and was currently attending SIUE on an academic scholarship, pursuing her dream of becoming a flight nurse.

Emily was very active in sports from a very young age. Through the years she played soccer, basketball, volleyball and softball, ultimately making softball her sport of choice. During her earliest years of softball, she had the best coach a little girl could ask for, her dad, which created a special bond between them. She played as a middle infielder for the Belleville West Maroons and also a Southern Illinois Select team, Illinois Esprit, where she made many close friendships. Emily was a four-year member of the Student Council and an honor student. Emily had a sweetness for animals, especially her dog CoCo who has been by her side since she was a little girl. She was employed part time at Colonnade Senior Living in O’Fallon as a receptionist. She was Baptized and Confirmed in the Concordia United Church of Christ where she attended with her family.

Emily had the brightest smile, gave the best hugs, was fun loving and had a way of making her friends and family feel special. Her friends describe her as full of light and love, who never judged anyone. She was always looking for the good in people and would not stand for anything she didn’t believe in. They go on to say Emily was always there when they needed her and was the best person to be surrounded by. She defended her friends who were being bullied or degraded and always let them know they were amazing, and she was proud of them. Another friend added that knowing Emily was an honor. She was a very strong and caring young woman who made everyone feel welcome. Emily had the best sense of style, loved her fancy shoes and although she also loved her pj pants, she always dressed with a smile. Her beautiful smile and ocean blue eyes were sure to brighten your day. May her bright light never dim and continue to guide us every day. Emily Grace Allen leaves a positive impact and many special memories with everyone who knew her, and her presence on this earth will be deeply missed.

Emily leaves behind her parents, Chris and Sara Allen; one brother, Lucas “Luke” Allen; maternal grandmother, Patricia “Patty Gran” Newsum; paternal grandparents, John “Papa” and Norma “Grammy” Allen, all of Mount Carmel, IL; aunts and uncles, Erin (Sam) Eddinger, Nathan Newsum, Lisa Green, Michelle (Danny) Stoneberger, and Joni (Craig) Sternberg; several great aunts and uncles, many loved cousins and special friends.

Emily was preceded in death by her maternal grandad, Ronald Newsum; and aunt, Mindy Newsum.

Visitation will be held on Saturday September 17, 2022, from 9:00am-1:00pm at Zion Evangelical Church, 117 W. White St., Millstadt, IL; funeral service to follow at 1:00pm with the Reverend Joan H. Mier and the Reverend David Krueger co-officiating. Interment will take place at Concordia United Church of Christ Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made in Emily’s memory to the Concordia United Church of Christ.

Hoffen Funeral Home is assisting the family.