Emileigh Maelynn “Emmy” Byxbe-Willingham, 16, of Hopkins, died Friday, July 6, in an SUV traffic crash in Hopkins Township.
Emmy was born in Grand Rapids on May 14, 2002, to Kelly Lynn Byxbe and Allen Edward Willingham. She had attended Hopkins High School and was set to start her junior year in the fall.
Whether they were going to mud runs, going camping or spending time on the lake tubing, she was happiest surrounded by those she loved. Among her favorite pastimes were singing karaoke and snapping selfies, golf cart rides, riding with her Daddy on his motorcycle and driving J.J. Bird on the lawnmower.
The Hopkins Public Schools issued a formal statement: “It is with deep sadness that we share that a former student, Emileigh Byxbe passed away today as a result of an accident. Emileigh transferred out of our school last year and would have been a junior. We acknowledge that some of her former classmates may need to speak with someone about their loss. We ask that you contact Allegan County Community Mental Health. Please keep her family and everyone who is close with her in your thoughts.”
Besides her parents, her survivors include big sister Alyssa Mae Stocking and brother-in-law, Andy Stocking; big brother, Jared “J.J. Bird” Lee Byxbe; grandmother and grandfather Carol and John Wulfsen; Grandma Nora Hitzler; her kitty, Bubbles and puppy, Blue; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends whom she considered family in her heart.
She was preceded in death by Grandpa Jerry Lee Byxbe.
A celebration of Emmy’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Go Fund Me account set up to assist the family with expenses.
