Ember Marie McPherson

Ember Marie McPherson, beloved daughter, sister, auntie, granddaughter, and friend, passed away unexpectedly in her home on November 1, 2025, at the young and tender age of twelve. Born on March 1, 2013, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Ember brought warmth, laughter, joy, and a vibrant light to all those who knew her.

Ember was, and will always be, known for her sweet and loving spirit. She carried a deep empathy for others, feeling their joys and their hurts as if they were her own. Ember was an artist in every way, whether she was drawing, painting, singing or dancing. She was a creative soul, aspiring to be a model. She loved being the “favorite aunt”, and she was always ready to help with the children. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved, and she always offered words and gestures that made others feel seen, valued, and deeply cherished.

She was involved in Girl Scouts, the Tecumseh Youth Program Cheer Team, and she loved taking part in pageants during Tecumseh Frontier Days. A creative soul, Ember adored makeup, cosplay, and dress-up, and she had a natural eye for decorating and making cakes, often surprising her loved ones with thoughtful, fun gifts. She was proudly her Mama’s helper and truly the light of her mother’s life.

Ember had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. She sang anything and everything simply for the joy of it. She found community and happiness in the after-school library program at the Tecumseh Public Library, where she spent time with friends and shared her love of learning and imagination. She dearly loved her library ladies. She also had a passion for anime, and her favorite holiday was Halloween, when she could fully express her creativity and love for dress up and cosplay. Her favorite snacks included Takis and Dr. Pepper.

Those closest to Ember will remember her radiant smile, her eye for fashion and beauty, and the kind compliments she so often shared with those she encountered. Her gentle and caring spirit made every room a little brighter. She lived up to her name, a glowing light whose warmth and joy touched everyone around her. Though her time on this earth was short, her spirit burned bright, leaving behind a lasting glow in every heart she touched.

As a family, we intimately understand that those who love and care for Ember seek understanding and closure. It is with heavy hearts, but with the sincerest compassion for you all, that we share the truth. After a period of emotional struggle, she chose to leave us. While our hearts ache beyond measure, we share this with love so that others may find comfort, and so that conversations about hope, healing, and reaching out for help may continue in her loving memory. It is our deepest wish that our loss might serve as an instrument for prevention, awareness, and healing.

Ember came from a large and beautifully blended family, surrounded by love from many “honorary” family members who each held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Tommy and Susan Mulanax, Marvin and Laura Edgar, Fred Milligan, and Barbara Kirkland.

She is survived by her mother, Tina McPherson, and her father, Jeremy McPherson; siblings: Erica, Emily, Elana, and Mason McPherson; sister-in-law, Awnor LittleCreek-McPherson; nieces, Rileigh and Meadow McPherson; nephew, Marcelis Shaw; honorary brother, Randy Caldwell; honorary sister, Holly McGuffee, and honorary sister and best friend, Contessa Boatman; honorary “other mother”, Casandra Grove; and honorary “other father”, Daniel Hodges.

She is also survived by her aunts and uncles: Randy and Angela Ulrich, Jimmy and Shannon Unsell, Rick and Karen Mulanax, Karrie Sears and Tammy Dunham, Jeremy Phillips and Jessica McPherson, Josh McPherson, Janelle and Lauren Smith, Amber Floyd, Danielle Ledesma, Brad and “dad” Leslie Merritt, Scott and Amber Raines, Shannon Folks, and Justin and Tiffini Grove.

Her grandparents include: “Papa” David and “Mia” Tamisa Ball, Timothy Grove, Bill Kirkland, Kathy Clodfelter, Alan McPherson, and Beverly Milligan. She is also deeply loved by special “Peeps” Angela Cornett and Teri Perez, as well as many cousins and a large circle of extended family and friends who will forever carry her light in their hearts.

We will gather together to celebrate the life and memory of Ember Marie McPherson on Friday, November 7, at 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Church, 227 N. Union Street in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring Ember’s love of beauty, creativity, and joy.

In honor of her fashionable and vibrant spirit, guests are invited to wear pink hues or elegant, “fancy” attire, a reflection of the grace and sparkle she loved so much.

Please note that the memorial service will be closed casket, and all are encouraged to attend the public viewing to pay their respects in person.

The public viewing will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at AE Funeral Services Chapel, located at 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, Oklahoma. Out of respect for the family, we kindly ask that no photos or videos be taken during the viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made directly to AE Funeral Services to help cover burial expenses, or by supporting the family through this link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/em25n2

Though words cannot express the depth of our loss, we hold close the reminder that kindness, connection, and compassion can bring healing, even in the hardest times. May we each honor Ember’s memory by reaching out, listening, uplifting, and caring for one another, just as she so often did.

Ember’s light may have flickered for only a brief moment, but the pure warmth of her flame will forever remain.