Emily Kate Utsinger

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” Deuteronomy 31:8

Emily Kate Utsinger, age 41, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on November 4, 2026. Though overwhelmed with deep grief, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is experiencing inexpressible joy in the presence of God and has been reunited with her mother, Kay, who found that same peace on June 22, 2026. Emily’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on November 11, 2026, in the Central Church of Christ auditorium, 1401 S. Madison St.

Emily was born in Amarillo, Texas, on November 30, 1984, to Kelly Utsinger and Kay Carter Utsinger. Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Amy, she attended Windsor Elementary and Bonham Middle School. She loved swimming and volleyball and was an active member of the youth group at Central Church of Christ. As the child of a member of the Sharks an acappella group, Emily grew up attending Sharks concerts, where she formed lifelong friendships with the other Sharks’ children and developed a love of music. That love stayed with her into adulthood, especially her enjoyment of country music.

On June 8, 2008, Emily married Tyson Wilson, who shared her love of music, travel, and family. On October 27, 2009, the couple welcomed their daughter, Addison Kate Wilson. Addison became the center of Emily’s life, and for the next 17 years Emily was a devoted mother and homemaker and Addison’s biggest fan in all her activities. The family loved lake life, including boating, fishing, tubing, and swimming. Vacations, sports competitions, and country music concerts provided many happy memories.

Among God’s gifts to Emily was to be a caretaker. She used her training as a Certified Nurse Assistant to care for those who suffered physically. In the final days of both her grandfathers and her mother, she was present to do the most difficult tasks of care giving with a loving heart and gentle hand.

Emily’s own words, written 20 years ago, are perhaps the most poignant expression of her faith and her perspective on the eternal life she now enjoys. For her maternal grandmother’s funeral in April 2006, she wrote:

Dear Grandma,

“Now that it is time for you to go to a better place, I just wanted tell you a few things. I love you very much. Even though you will not be here I will always have our memories.” [long list of fond memories followed]

She ended her letter with the assurance she now has and we all long for:

“I know we will meet again one day and have lots of time to reminisce. Grandma do not worry about us, Grandpa and Buddy (his dog) will have each other, and we will all have so many wonderful memories of you. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandma, but we cannot be selfish and have you forever. Now it is your turn to go to a much better place and get ready for the rest of us. You will always be in my heart., I love you -♥- Always, Emily

We now commend Emily’s soul to the loving grace of God, using her own words: “Now it is your turn to go to a much better place and get ready for the rest of us.” You will always be in our hearts. We love you! We expect you to be ready to reminisce when we join you, Jesus, the angels, and your family now rejoicing with you in heaven: your mother, Kay Utsinger; and your grandparents, Frank Wilson, Wanda Utsinger, Edgar Neal Utsinger, Nell Carter, and Jack Carter. May God give you peace.

Emily is survived by her husband, Tyson; her daughter, Addison; her father, Kelly Utsinger; her sister, Amy Monk, and Amy’s husband, Travis; two aunts; and four cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.