Lola Mae Grisham Emmons Robinson, 97, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born to Eric Grisham and Bessie Johnson Grisham on September 5th, 1927, in Iuka, Mississippi, Lola embodied a life of strength, resilience, and unwavering love.
Family, faith, caring for others, and learning were the foundation of Lola’s life. As a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother, she created a home filled with warmth and love. Her kitchen was a gathering place for all filled with laughter, story telling, and her incredible home-cooked meals–a space where countless memories were made.
From an early age, Lola’s passion for learning and caring for others was evident. She graduated from Iuka High School in 1946 with the highest grade point average in her class. Following her calling to nursing, she earned her Registered Nurse degree from Rush Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Meridian, MS, in 1950. Lola’s dedication to advancing healthcare was pioneering—she became one of the first 30 individuals in Mississippi to earn a Nurse Practitioner license in 1972. She served in clinics in Corinth and Greenville, MS, where her compassionate care and expertise left a lasting impact on her patients and community.
Lola’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a member of Iuka Baptist Church, she was active in the Grace Sunday School class and generously volunteered her time to the church clothes closet ministry. Her faith was not simply something she practiced—it was something she lived every day.
Outside of her faith, Lola found joy in gardening, sewing, quilting, and playing dulcimer where her creativity and skill shone brightly. Her quilts earned her several well-deserved awards and became treasured keepsakes.
Above all, Lola’s greatest passion and purpose in life was her family. She devoted herself to nurturing them with unwavering love, instilling the values of faith, family, and the importance of hard work. Her legacy lives on through her sons, Charles, David and Mark, whose strength, compassion, and character reflect the values she held so dearly.
Lola’s greatest joy came from sharing moments and laughter with her loved ones. Her warmth, generosity, and enduring love extended to all who were fortunate enough to know her, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
She was dearly loved and survived by her sons and their wives, Charles and Cornelia Emmons of Iuka MS., Master Chief Petty Officer David Emmons, U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.) and Helen Emmons of Norfolk VA., Lieutenant Commander Mark Emmons, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) and Pam Emmons of Paducah KY., and her two stepchildren Vickie Johnston of Smyrna TN. and Tim Robinson of Yorktown Heights NY..
Her grandchildren and step-grandchildren will greatly miss the love, cooking, and attention of their “Granny.” They include Dr. Carol Anne Kennedy, Chief Petty Officer Grant Emmons, U.S. Coast Guard, Dr. Justin Emmons, Leigh Emmons, Christina Mae Emmons, CPA, Dr. Jonathan Emmons, and Margaret Harris, Dr. Jay Johnston, and Johanna Robinson. She will also be dearly missed by her great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. They include Alexis Emmons, Greyson Emmons, Reed Kennedy, Emily Kennedy, Daniel Emmons, Lincoln Harris, Josephine Mae Emmons, James Johnston, Justin Johnston, and Joseph Johnston.
Another important person in Lola’s life has been her cousin, Lisa Flurry Perkins, R.N., who had the role of daughter, sister, and caregiver.
She is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her sons, Chief Petty Officer Gerald Emmons (“Chief”), U.S. Navy and her second husband John Robinson, her parents, and her two brothers Miller and Reuben Grisham.
The family would also like to thank those who offered special comfort and love Janice Patrick and her cousins Cathy Haynie, R.N. and V.W. Grisham. The family would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice and the staff and friends at the Hospitality House.
Cutshall Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. The Visitation and Funeral service will both be held on Thursday December 19, 2024 at the Cutshall Funeral Home. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by the Funeral service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Dallas Culver. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Dr. Justin Emmons, Barry Grisham, Dr. Jay Johnston, Dr. Daniel Kennedy, Dan Perkins, and Ricky Rogers.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
