Emma Lou Cronin, 61, passed away on June 17, 2007 at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, after a short battle with cancer. The viewing will be Wednesday June 20, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Anderson-Clayton Brothers Funeral Home in Mesquite, Texas. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007 at First United Methodist Church, Mesquite, Texas. Graveside services will be June 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Sayre, Oklahoma at Sayre Doxey Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lucille Ivester Nelson and Preston Nelson, brother, John Preston Nelson and half brother, James Duke Cameron. She is survived by two daughters, Shannon Elizabeth and Shawn Margaret as well as a large extended family and friends. In addition, she is survived by her beloved Schnauzers, Sunni and Shade and her two cats, Sammi and BB.

Emma was born in Phoenix, Arizona on May 7, 1946. She graduated from Sayre High School in 1964. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Oklahoma in 1977 and her master's degree from North Texas University in 1979.

Emma was a founding member of the Eastfield College community. At her death, she was the Dean of Instructional Support Services at Eastfield. She was a member of Texas Community College Teacher's Association. She taught the "Booster's" Sunday School class at Mesquite's First United Methodist Church for 15 years. In addition, Emma's passion in life was genealogy. She administered over 40 online mail lists and message boards sharing her passion and knowledge of tracing family roots with others on the same quest.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Clayton Funeral Home in Mesquite, Texas. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.