Palmer-Dunham, Emily Marie

Emily Marie Palmer-Dunham, 26, formerly of Iowa City, died Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, from injuries suffered in an auto accident in Austin, Texas, where she had been attending college. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City.

Memorial donations may be made to Photohive.org, the scholarship fund at St. Edwards University www.stedwards.edu/makegifts or the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Emily Marie was born May 22, 1987, in Milwaukee, Wis., the beautiful tiny daughter of Stephen M. Dunham and Donna Marie Palmer. The family moved back to Iowa City the following year where at a young age Emily became part of the local scene, something that continued throughout her life. Her love of music came from her toddler days hanging on the hip of her dad while he worked at The Mill. This along with so many other gifts, her photography, poetry, writing, her tenacity to see the beauty in all things, and to share it with all around her was simply amazing!

Emily was one who took care of business. She studied cello at Preucil School of Music, graduated from City High School with the class of 2005, attended the University of Iowa for three years before transplanting herself to the scene in Austin, where she was in her final semester as a photocommunications major at St. Edwards University. But she was also a person who could see so much more than what was expected of her, and that was what made Emily Marie who she was. The spirited girl that blossomed into a creative young woman who touched many and will be missed with tears and smiles.

Her family includes her dad, Stephen Dunham; stepmom, Lora Morgan Dunham; grandmother, Dorothy Dunham; stepbrother, Benjamin Morgan; and a host of beloved aunts, uncles and cousins in the Palmer, Dunham and Benson clans.

Emily's mother, Donna Marie Palmer; grandparents, Everett Dunham, Marilyn Palmer and Don Palmer; and uncle, Doug Dunham; preceded her in death.

A musical celebration of Emily's life will take place at The Mill on Sunday, Nov. 10, beginning at 4 p.m. - all who love Emily are welcome!

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Emily's family and her services.

Published Oct. 28, 2013 in The Gazette