RAVENNA - Emily Dodson, 44 of Ravenna, entered into the joy of her Master on April 13, 2026, after a short, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Emily graduated from Galion High School in 2000 serving as Class President and received her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. After college, Emily joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). She faithfully served Jesus by sharing the Gospel and mentoring hundreds of students. She invested her life into eternal things; God, His People, and His Word and the legacy of that ministry lives on in countless lives.

Whether Emily was sharing practical theological truths at women’s Bible Study, ministering to college students, or volunteering at her kids’ school, Emily was determined to make the Gospel of Christ accessible and available to as many people as she could. She simply pointed people to Jesus with relentless patience, truth, and grace.

Emily embodied kindness, joy, and charm wherever she went. The presence of her laugh, smile, and most of all her voice changed the setting. Places, conversations, meetings, teams, family functions, social gatherings, and car rides were different when Emily was there. Her light was bright. Her insight was keen. Her wit was sharp. She took great notes with colored pens. She meant what she said. If you experienced her, you know.

Emily was a nurturing and soul-feeding mother to Stella and Margot. She encouraged her daughters to live out who God had made them to be and instilled in them godly character, a love for the Word, and a love for other people. She was steadfast in defining and displaying beauty for them, especially in her last days. She loved sitting in the bleachers or courtside cheering on her Stellie and Margs.

She loved and respected her husband Justin and attempted to keep him humble. On February 25th, 2026, they celebrated 20 years of marriage. More recently Emily served as the Data Team Manager at Carter Lumber where she sought to be joy and light to her co-workers.

In her 44 years, her yield of caring for people was unsurpassed. The people who know this most are those who survive her loss, her husband, Justin; daughters, Stella, and Margot; father, Rick (Debbie) Deems; brothers, Nick Deems and Tim (Sydney) Deems; step-brother, Nick Marsh; step-sister, Lexie Galco; in-laws, Jeffrey and Lisa Dodson; sister-in-law, Tristin (Wes) Johnson; grandmother, Nancy Kozlik; mother, Holly (Kryz) Workman; as well numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her biological father, John Gregory Lyons.

Friends and family may call on the family from 4 PM to 7 PM Friday, April 24th at Riverwood Chapel, 1407 Fairchild Avenue, Kent, OH, (come ready to eat a donut or two, Emily’s favorite!). The Memorial Service celebrating Emily’s life will be 11 AM Saturday, April 25th at Riverwood Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation that can make a difference in the life of a student by donating to tuition assistance at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. A scholarship has been set up in Emily’s name. Click on the link below and please be sure to add "Emily Dodson" to the comment/instruction box.

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