Biography: Emily Jane Golden, beloved daughter of Kimberly and William Golden and sister of Abbie Golden Winston, has died after a long illness. Emily was born in Little Rock on October 3, 1985. Despite her multiple disabilities and physical limitations, Emily lived a joyous life at the center of her family. She was the heart of a community of loving, caring individuals whose lives and careers brought us together. In her unique way she had a special private relationship with everyone who loved and cared for her. Emily had a wicked sense of humor and a stubborn streak that is legendary among therapists. She was a trailblazer in the Little Rock School District as the first child to use a computerized communication device in a regular classroom at Chicot Elementary School from which she graduated in the regular 6th grade. She adored her family, birthday parties, Christmas presents, and Fourth of July celebrations. Emily was proud and protective of her little sister; she made it her job to protest loudly if a young Abbie needed a little parental discipline. Music, game shows, Food Network, QVC shopping, and books on tape filled her life. She was a country music fan (the good old kind) and loved to watch her favorite performers on The Grand Ole Opry show. Emily was a member of St. Mark?s Episcopal Church. More recently she enjoyed watching the Pulaski Heights Methodist Church services on Sunday morning with her nurse. In addition to her parents and sister she is survived by her new brother-in-law Blake Winston of Charlotte, NC; uncles and aunts Marianne and Mike Johnson of Greensboro, NC, and Karen and Jim Goldthwaite of Ft. Worth, TX; cousins Chris Goldthwaite of Ft. Worth, Tyler Goldthwaite of Dallas, and Brad Johnson of Gaffney, SC.; and step-grandmother Ann Howard Golden of New York and Williamsburg, VA. She leaves her longtime beloved caregiver Mary Ashby and many other loving special people who provided care and companionship. Emily had a spirit and will to live despite enduring challenges that would have broken most of us. She was a joy and an inspiration, a shining gift to her family, friends, and caregivers. We will celebrate her life with a service at St. Mark?s Episcopal Church on Friday, May 25 at 10 AM followed by interment in the St. Mark?s Columbarium. We invite all of our friends, colleagues, and Emily?s caregivers to join us at home for a buffet lunch and reception following the service. We would like to especially thank UAMS physicians Drs. Robert Hopkins, Sara Harrington, Jennifer Casey, and retired professor Dr. Robert Warren for the loving care and support that made Emily?s journey possible. We also would like to extend our profound gratitude for the many teachers, therapists, and caregivers from Easter Seals, Pathfinder, Little Rock Public Schools, and Care Network and Care IV who gave Emily and her family so much loving care and support. May Emily dance in heaven with her special speech therapist, Jill McIlroy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Emily?s honor may be made to St. Mark?s Episcopal Church, 1000 N Mississippi St, Little Rock, AR 72207 or Heifer International, ATTN: Donor Services, Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202, or the charity of your choice.
My prayers and thoughts with you and your family in these difficult times. I remember our discussions during residency, when you lovingly shared details of your family with me. Your love for your girls was evident in your conversation. Emily was blessed to be a part of your life and your thoughts speak volumes about your love for her. May she remain in your thoughts and continue to brighten them with her loving spirit.
Faiza.