Emily Ann Matlock

Emily Ann Matlock, 38, of Libertyville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

She was born February 11, 1985 in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of John and Mary Ann (Olin) Hunt. Emily was reared and educated in Bartlett, Tennessee, graduating from Bartlett High School in 2003. She then went on and received her Bachelors in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2007, finishing with honors. Emily later obtained her Masters in Special Education in 2014 from Arkansas State University.

Emily devoted her life to teaching Pre-K Special Education. She first worked at Gibson County Schools in Dyer, Tennessee for nine years. Emily then taught for three years at Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tennessee. This past year she taught for SEDOL (Special Education Department of Lake County) in Mundelein, Illinois. Emily was highly loved and respected by her staff and students.

During her time at UT Martin, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, where she was very involved in fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Emily was also very active in Line Dance competition during Greek Week, Pyramid (cheerleading competition), and All-Sing (Sorority singing competition). While teaching in Dyer, she was also a middle school cheerleading sponsor.

Emily’s favorite pastime was gardening, where she enjoyed designing flower beds for her family and friends. As an animal lover, she would often volunteer at animal shelters. In her spare time, Emily also worked at local greenhouses. She loved running, kickboxing, hiking, and especially swimming at the beach. Emily was a whiz at assembling furniture with her dad. She enjoyed crafting with wood and ceramics, and making blankets for gifting. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, John and Mary Ann Hunt of Libertyville; two brothers, Eric (Britany) Hunt of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Brandon (Kelly) Hunt of Chicago, Illinois; her paternal grandfather, Robert Hunt of Galesburg; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and her beloved Doberman, Sampson. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Dick and Barb Olin; and her paternal grandmother, Joan Hunt.

Emily was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, grand-daughter, dog-mom, teacher, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Cremation has been accorded. A private memorial service will be held. Services have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the SEDOL Foundation.