McKall Elle Emery was born March 13th, 1991 to Don and Amy Emery. From day one, until the day she left us, she was a force to be reckoned with. Her love and energy would forever change the lives of those around her. She started talking months before other children her age and she kept that talent until the end. At nine months old, not only could she talk in sentences, but she climbed in her dad’s car, started the engine, and cracked open a can of Coke while waiting for him to come out. You only had to meet McKall for a moment and you knew there was something different about her. There is a cliché you hear and read about people from time to time that “if you know them, you loved them.” With McKall it ran much deeper than that. If you knew her you did love her, but the connection was instant and electric. Her energy and enthusiasm could break down walls and pierce your soul.
McKall was a fighter. At 14 she was hit with a case of influenza that attacked her heart. She spent 14 days in the ICU at Primary Children’s fighting for her life. Against all odds she fought and won, and we were blessed with 15 more years of her spirit here on earth. Her biggest wish as a child was to have a little brother. She announced the day that Jesse was born as “the greatest day ever!” She was his best friend, confidant, and protector. Family was everything to her. From her grandparents to her distant cousins, McKall was everyone’s favorite, and she made you feel like you were her favorite as well.
She had a unique love of animals and could never get enough of them. Even though she was allergic to many, it didn’t stop her from being around them and having a few of her own. Whether it was her beloved Theebs, whom she drove 4 hours Christmas Eve by herself to pick up, or the smallest lizard in the desert. Her Instagram feed was full of pictures of her holding every kind of animal in all parts of the world with that infectious smile. You can see her love and amazement of the creatures around her.
She loved to travel and visit new and exotic places. The beauty of the earth was something that she loved and was always planning one trip to the next. She loved adventure and was up for anything, and wasn’t content until everyone around her was smiling and laughing. Even with the love of adventure and travel, one of her favorite places on earth was the magic that is Disneyland. You would find her with mouse ears on her head, usually with a small cousin or friend attached to each hand pulling them on to the next ride. She was the Pied Piper and loved to lead the fun with everyone she was with. She had a particular fondness of Disneyland churros…and occasionally could be found with one in each hand.
From the age of 16 until the day she passed she worked with children with special needs. She knew her calling early in life and the love and passion she had for the children she worked with for the past 13 years was unparalleled. She loved those kids like they were her own and her ability to connect with them was truly something to behold. She understood the specialness of each child, and how best to fulfill their needs. Her patience never faltered. She was truly one-of-kind
Mckall was the most amazing person you could ever come in contact with. She is so loved and her memory will live on forever. I will never forget her showing me the song “bubbly” for the first time on her razor phone and I thought she was SO COOL! I will miss her funny snapchat’s and asking to learn dances haha! She’s the best cousin and person I know. I miss you forever kalli. Thank you for watching over my Enzo boy. I love you forever!
Memories of McKall's beautiful life!
Memories of McKall's beautiful life!!
Memories of McKall's beautiful life!!
Memories of McKall's beautiful life!!!
McKall with her cousins 🤍