Emily Wheeler Caison Zawacki, 72, of Rocky Point passed gently from her earthly life on January 1, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 18, 1941 in Watha and was the daughter of the late Forrest Wheeler and Gladys Wheeler Fore. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Sammy Caison; second husband, Pete Zawacki; and brother, Donald Grafton Wheeler.

Emily is survived by her daughter, Cathy Caison Bright (Craig) of Rocky Point; step-children, Larry Zawacki (Mary Louise) of Elizabeth City and Barbara Zawacki of Wilmington; grandchildren, Christy Smith of Rocky Point and Jesse Pace (Megan) of Whiteville; great grandchildren, Summer, Chase and Malacki; step-grandchildren, Amber and Joanna Armstrong; brother, Wayne Wheeler (Louann) of Leland; sisters, Myra Dellolio of Texas, Gerry Murray (Everette) of Wallace, Marilyn Pawlak (Andrew) of Little River, SC and Jackie Sullivan (Lloyd) of Wilmington; a treasured friend, Sara McKoy of Atkinson; and several nieces and nephews.

For many years Emily was employed at McNeill's Drug Store and Columbus County Hospital in Whiteville. After moving to Rocky Point she was employed by New Hanover Regional Medical Center, retiring after 10 years of service. Returning to the work force, Emily worked in the dietary department of Cape Fear Community College, retiring for a second time after seven years.

Emily was many things to many people; a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, step-mom, step-grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, mentor, teacher and above all a friend. She excelled in all of these titles. Emily was an avid reader and loved Danielle Steele. To find an unread novel from her list became a special joy, not to mention the laughter shared during the search. It was a treasure hunt well worth taking. Emily loved gardening, pulling the weeds and nurturing the plants was worth the beauty of the end results. Emily's greatest passion of all was making quilts. She would put together tiny pieces of fabric perfecting the patterns of her choice and creating the simplicity of beauty at its completion. Sewing every stitch with love, this is what one felt when you received this most special gift from Emily. A love that comes from the heart is what Emily shared with us daily, and this love we will cherish forever.

Emily's family and friends will gather at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2014 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw for visitation with a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. officiated by The Rev. Merrell McKoy. Burial will follow in St. Helena Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Greg McKoy, Lloyd Sullivan, Dan Willoughby, Jr., Mike Kermon, Eddie Madden and Mike Simmons.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

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