Emmett Lee Deming
Emmett Lee Deming, beloved son of Cody and Abagail Deming, was born on September 20, 2023, in Quincy, IL. From the moment he entered the world, Emmett showed immense courage and strength, spending the first ten months of his life at St. Louis Children’s Hospital before being transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. It was there, on September 1, 2024, that Emmett passed away, surrounded by the overwhelming love of his family.
Despite his short time with us, Emmett had an extraordinary impact on all who knew him. His beautiful, constant smile lit up even the darkest moments and became a beacon of hope for everyone around him. Emmett bravely fought congenital heart disease for 11 months, showing us the true meaning of resilience. His quiet strength and unbreakable spirit touched thousands of lives, teaching us to be brave in the storm and, most importantly, to embrace the beauty of life’s slower moments.
Some of Emmett’s greatest joys were the simple, precious moments: gazing at the woodland critters on his mobile, listening to his favorite Nancy Tillman book, You’re Here for a Reason, and snuggling in the loving arms of his parents. His family is deeply grateful to Texas Children’s Hospital for their care and the answers they provided during Emmett’s final months.
Emmett is survived by his devoted parents, Cody and Abagail Deming; his loving older brother, Oliver Deming; and his sweet chocolate lab, Bailey. He is also survived by his grandparents, Amy Lynn, Eldon Deming, Nicole and Wyatt Nelson-Rowley; his great-grandparents, Ralph and Linda Gallaher, Carol Rankin, and Ron and Diane Clark; uncles, Eric Nelson-Rowley, Kenneth Starman IV, Cory Deming, and Gage Welty; aunts, Haley Welty and Courtney Deming; great-aunt, Missy Gallaher; and numerous cousins, great-aunts, and great-uncles. Emmett’s big, beautiful smiles will forever be cherished by his family.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Otis Deming and Larry Rankin; his cousin, Ryan Martin; and his great-great uncle Rodney Hodges.
In his short time on earth, Emmett inspired so many with his resilience, strength, and capacity for love. His legacy is one of grace and quiet courage. His family will be holding a private outdoor celebration of life, embracing the beauty of nature—the sun, moon, and stars—that Emmett so deserved.
Emmett’s story does not end here. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by his journey.
Thank you for sharing Emmett’s short but strong journey with us. He is one I will never forget and will be excited to see again in Heaven. He is a beautiful child of God. I am so sorry you are all going through this. I can’t imagine your sorrow and courage as we all fell in love with him also.
Though I never met sweet Emmett in person, I felt I knew him all of his precious life. His little smile was contagious and warmed the hearts of everyone that seen it. Emmett is a shining Angel, dancing in the sky. He will be in the hearts of all he touched forever. I send to you my deepest sympathy and heartfelt hugs.
Tabatha
My heart is broken. Our sweet Emmett. The little heart warrior, was called to be with the Lord. He will be missed for an eternity.
What a beautiful life Baby Emmett lived. Thank you for sharing him with the world. God bless you in the days ahead. Keep living in the memory of your son. God will take care of the rest.
He was a beautiful little person. His eyes and his little face captured this heart from the start and I feel that he knew he was loved by everyone. God bless his whole family.
Words can’t express enough how so sorry we are of this passing. I live in Northern Indiana and have been following your story and it saddens my soul… He’s now with Jesus and a happy baby.. So sorry again….
I’m so sorry for your loss.I can’t even imagine what you are going through.my prayers and hugs go out to you all. He’s in God’s hands now no more suffering.I know that it’s not easy but God has you all to. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I didn’t know Emmitt but he was such a precious little guy!! I can tell by his picture that he was a very loving little man who I’m sure I would love too! I am so very sorry for your loss!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Emmett was such an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing him with us!! What a beautiful tribute!! Continued prayers for you all!! ❤️
May he rest in the arms of the Lord. Prayers for his family, this has to be the hardest thing there is to deal with in a parents/grandparents life.. May the lord bring you peace knowing you will see him again and knowing he is in no pain and not struggling anymore.
So sorry. I’ve been following your journey and so hoped and prayed he could be helped. Prayers for all of you. So sorry Missy.
Thank you Liz
Baby Emmett is such a beautiful, beautiful baby. I feel beyond blessed to have been able to share the pictures that you guys had put on Here. His smile was so contagious. I’ve never met him. I’m friends of the family and I loved him so deeply. I know nothing will fill his void, but please know that I believe he’s resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord and watching over everyone down here, You’re a very loving and precious guardian, angel. I Pray in the days to come that you will find peace and comfort and solace. There’s many of us out here that are willing to be there for you. I hope that you will turn to us if you need something. May he rest in peace, baby boy? Everyone down here loves you and that contagious smile, and we’re gonna help watch over your mommy and daddy. God bless you and I pray in the days to come.Your days will get easier.
Although I don’t know this sweet baby or his family, my heart is breaking! Through friends I have followed his fight and sent many Prayers and Hugs to all! God gained a true fighter and Angel! Prayers for Comfort and Strength at this most difficult time! Fly High Sweet Boy!!
He will be in heaven waiting for you!
May the Holy Spirit bless and sustain you all during such difficult times.
Please do not be saddened, Emmett’s is simply as sleep and mote alive than ever in our Lords arms, we’re you will see him again and you will be reunited with him the day the Lord calls us home. You will be together forever, no death will part us from him again. May our Lord and God bless you abundantly, I am so grateful you all shared your precious child’s story with us, every day I would wake up and look for an update, praying to our Lord for his will to be done.
I know this small separation is painful, as I have been there too. But take comfort in our Lords precense.
Love you baby Emmett, I can’t wait to meet you in heaven, this is not a good bye, it’s a see you soon, sweet precious Son of the Living God.
We love you !
Emmett truly touched the hearts and lives of so many people. He was able to spread awareness for not only his defect, but for all of the other babies who endure this battle. We will always remember what an impact Emmett and his family had in our lives. We love you all dearly. His bright smiles, stylish hair, and of course, those bright blue eyes lit up the 7th floor heart center. I pray you all know how much he’s impacted this world. May God continue to lift this family up and bless each and every one of them ❤️
We love you sweet Emmett. Sweet boy has left such an impact on us all. I have been wishing for nothing but the best ever since running into your story. Tears have been flowing non stop. Sending love and prayers to your family. ❤️❤️❤️
Emmett….please know those of us that followed your journey have been with you and your family through our prayers….God has you now but you will always be in hearts and thoughts of so many people who were there with you and your family….God gained a new angel and you can now run and play.
I am so sorry, for the loss of this sweet, beautiful child of God. Great Grandma Rankin kept me updated on his story and loved to show me his pictures and videos. I cheered every milestone and prayed for each setback. Please know I hold your family, in my thoughts and prayers.
Nothing hurts more than losing a child. Your Emmett was such a special child. He brought joy to so many people and he has brought sadness to us all too. It is easier to know he is no longer suffering, but it doesn’t ease the pain of his saying goodbye. I know it hurts too much right now, but there will be a day when you can remember only the good times, the bright smiles, the love you shared, and you will be able to do it with smiles instead of tears. God bless you and Oliver and comfort you. I will pray for you all.