Emily Joy Mitson-Lavy

Emily Joy Mitson-Lavy, 32, of Jackson Township, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2014, after a hard-fought, courageous battle with Leukemia. Throughout her journey, her faith and determination never wavered. Her courage and spirit was evident to all who knew her. Emily's beautiful smile could light up a room and her laughter was contagious. She spread joy to all who knew her. She was so unique and many aspired to be like her. Emily's life was a display of Romans 12:12: 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.' She was born Nov. 24, 1981, in Canton, to Les and Mindi Mitson. Emily was loving mother, sister and daughter and had a passion for teaching and children. She is a 2000 graduate of Jackson High School. She attended West Liberty State University and earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Akron and her master's degree in education from Walsh University. Emily was a former kindergarten teacher at Uniontown Elementary School in the Lake Local School District. She was a member of Bethel Church in Canton. She is survived by her daughter, Ella Joy Lavy and Ella's father, Chris Lavy; her parents, Les and Mindi Mitson; her sister, Marcie (Eddie) Pryor; her fiancé, J.J. Boroski and his daughter, Elly; paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Dolores Mitson; maternal grandparents, Henry and Joyce Evans; aunts and uncles, Cris (Patty Board) Mitson, Connye Cunningham, Cindy Lindeman, Hank (Denise) Evans, Thadd (Lisa) Evans; niece, Evie Pryor, nephew, Jack Pryor and numerous cousins and extended family. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents and uncle, David Mitson. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, at Bethel Church, 711 25th St. NW, Canton. Burial will follow. Emily's family wants to thank the Cleveland Clinic nurses, doctors and staff for their support during her time at the hospital. Emily hopes her friends and family will remember her legacy — 'I want to be known as a Christian woman who loves the Lord and impacted many lives. This is what life is about: Loving the Lord, having hope and faith, impacting others in a positive way, and having a relationship with Jesus, not just a religion.' In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Fund for Emily Mitson-Lavy at any First Merit Bank.