Emmie Lou Blessington passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024, at the age of 93. Emmie Lou was born in Stonewall, Texas on July 23, 1930. She was the daughter of Alma Scharnhorst Nielsen and Sofus Nielsen and was the last of the seven Nielsen siblings to depart this earth.
As a little girl she lived through the Great Depression and World War II, and she loved sharing with others what it was like to grow up on a farm during that time in America’s history. She was a lover of music at a very young age and had fond memories of dressing up in a special outfit as the Sinclair Girl to sing at the Stonewall Sinclair gas station for a coin or two. She had many sweet stories of growing up in a large, loving family with a strong work ethic and deep faith.
In 1958 Emmie Lou received her M.Ed. at Southwest Texas State Teachers College. She married Clement Blessington on New Year’s Eve 1959. The two left their rural hometowns for the big city of Houston, where they settled and raised their son Kevin. Emmie Lou was active in the Westwood Civic Club and a friendly neighbor to all. She and Clem had been happily married for nearly 45 years at the time of his passing.
Emmie Lou taught for a total of 32 years in Fredericksburg, Pasadena, and Houston ISDs. She was very proud of her time teaching kindergarten at Red Elementary in Houston, where parents often requested her as a teacher for their children. She was known for her musical programs and took great pride in them.
The winner of several Yard of the Month awards, Emmie Lou cherished her garden and mowed her own lawn well into her 80s. She admired a well-kept yard and loved flowers and growing things.
A talented seamstress and quiltmaker, she was most proud of making her daughter-in-law’s wedding dress. She continued to sew even in her final days. In her last few months, she made decorative worship linens for the children’s learning space at her church, Faith Lutheran of Bellaire, where she and her husband became members in 1975. She was strong in her faith and continued to watch services on her computer after she was no longer able to attend in person.
Emmie Lou was a gifted pianist, and she played elegantly until the end of her life. She entertained her fellow residents at her assisted living facility with holiday piano concerts.
A wonderful mother and mother-in-law, she adored spending time with her grandson Elliott, the light of her life. She was one of his primary caregivers when he was small. The two spent many happy hours together singing songs and baking brownies.
Emmie Lou was a gentle, kind woman who never had a mean word to say about anyone. At the same time, she knew what she wanted and was never afraid to speak her mind. She was fiercely independent, understood the value of a dollar, and always found the positives, even during tough times.
She is survived by her son Kevin, her daughter-in-law Jennifer, her grandson Elliott, and many nieces and nephews and extended family in the Texas Hill Country.
A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, April 18th at Forest Park Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX. There will be a visitation at 9 am and a service at 10 am followed by a reception. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take the time to enjoy a beautiful garden and think of her. Donations to the American Heart Association are also appreciated. The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff of the Gardens of Bellaire and Constellation Hospice.
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