Emily Jean Honaker

Emily Jean Honaker, born on June 6, 1949, in Alliance, Ohio, was the daughter of Dr. Linton and Betty Lou (Baker) Honaker. She passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, surrounded by loved ones.

Emily began her education at Science Hill, a one-room schoolhouse in Lexington Township, and graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1967. She graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an Associate of Library Technology, Kent State University Tuscarawas Branch with an Associate of Law Enforcement, Kent State University with a Bachelor of General Studies, and a Bachelor of Education.

Her professional career began as a library aide at Wiley Junior High School in Cleveland Heights. She later worked at Central Catholic High School in New Philadelphia, where she also drove the bus for numerous sports and music events as well as school field trips. The majority of her career was spent as a librarian and media technician at Delaware Joint Vocational School (DJVS) in Delaware, Ohio.

After retiring, Emily moved back to Alliance and became a first-time homeowner. She loved traveling, especially to California, and took joy in cross-country trips with her nephews Dave and later Matthew. Abby joined them for the second trip. Emily was particularly proud of making the drive west without ever needing a map.

Many knew Emily for her skill in cake decorating. She delighted in creating cakes for every occasion, with family members always receiving something special for birthdays and anniversaries. A self-described collector, she believed that owning more than two of anything made it a collection. She was especially fond of gathering tools for her various hobbies, organizing and cataloging them with care.

Emily remained connected to her former colleagues from DJVS, meeting them regularly for lunch. She also enjoyed a yearly scrapbook retreat where she looked forward to talking with the other participants. In Alliance, she formed new friendships through a Stampin’ Up card club and the Alliance Area Retired Teachers Association. She also treasured the friendships she built with the nurses and patients at DaVita in Alliance.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, David Priest. She is survived by her sister, Dr. Diana (Ron) Priest of Alliance; her brothers, Richard (Sandra) Honaker of Fresno, Ohio, and Robert (Monica Weekes) Honaker of Sacramento, California. She is also survived by her niece, Abigail Honaker (Chris) Schroeder; nephews Brennen, Matthew, and Casey Honaker; great-nieces Rosalyn Byrne, Sara, and Madison Schroeder; and great-nephew Mason Priest.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Tuscarawas County Public Library Friends of the Library, designating “Books for Babies,” a trust established by her mother, Betty Lou Honaker.

A celebration of Emily’s life will be held on August 16. Details will be shared at a later time.