Emily Joyce McConnell (73 yrs old), was born at home in Frazier, MT. Her parents were Twila Marie Long Knife and James J. McConnell (aka Jimmy Skunk). Everyone knew him as Jimmy Skunk. Emily was the 1st born of 14 siblings. Her nickname was ‘Apples’.
Emily passed away peacefully, surrounded by her son, sisters and brother at the Billings Clinic Intermediate Care Center on Sunday, Oct 16th. Emily was a member of the Mormon Church and was a devout and faithful Christian. She loved reading the Bible and Daily Bible readings. She let her family know she was ready to go home to Heaven. She was always making donations to different ministries and save the children. She was very caring and loved to help others, as well as her family (grandchildren and other family members). When Emily was in the first grade, her teacher asked her: ‘what is your name?’ Emily replied, Emily Skunk! (Referring to her dad being known as Jimmy Skunk, she thought that was her last name). Emily was raised by her grandmothers Helen Attacks Four Eagle and Rosaline Long Knife and her parents.
Emily attended school up to the 8th grade at Frazer. She attended High School in Pierre, South Dakota up through the 11th grade, later getting her GED. Emily later furthered her education the Job Corp in Clinton, Nebraska. She later returned home to Wolf Point where she lived all her life. She married Frank Birdsbill, Jr. From this union they had three sons.
Emily worked at the Living Good Motel in Summers, MT in the earlier years. Later working as a Housekeeper at Faith Home here in Wolf Point, MT.
Emily loved listening to the oldies such as the ‘Supremes, Elvis, and Gospel music. She loved to read books, doing crossword puzzles and word finds, shopping and taking drives with her beloved chihuahua, Petey, who was always with her.
She is survived by her three sons: Robby (Meredith) McConnell, Sr., Brian McConnell, Jeremy Birdsbill. Sisters- Anna (Harold) Pedraza-Wetsit; Carolyn (Dave) Schenk; Renee Bull Chief and Jean McConnell. Brothers- Carlos Pedraza and Harold Pedraza, Raymond Clark. Grandchildren: Robby Jr. (Leena), Brittany, Ashley, Dylan, Kira McConnell and Eva Little Light (Tianna), Damica, Phoenix (Sneauxy), Kiana (Darius), Logan, Brandon, Brian Jr, Emylah, Braxten, Brycen McConnell and Keisha Fast Horse. Great grandchildren: Brandon Headdress, Madilyn, Maizie, Marika, Darius, Gracelyn Harris and Jailyn Little Light. Her nephews Casey and Hans Wetsit, Robert “Dirk” Martell. Her nieces- Francine Long Knife and Karserena Red Dog. Her best friend: Audrey Boxer-Hall.
Emily was preceded in death by: Her parents Twila Marie Long Knife and James ‘Jimmy Skunk’ McConnell. Her grandmothers- Helen Attacks Four Eagle Boy and Rosaline Long Knife. Her brothers- Gerald Pedraza and Stanley Long Knife. Her sisters- Cheryl Pedraza War Club, Sereena and Loreena Long Knife.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday October 20, 2022
New Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Share
Carolyn Schenk says
I’m so happy for you Emily , Heaven bound !! I’ll miss you terrible, but. We’ll see each other again one day. Until then, you have a wonderful celebration,. Ok ??? Love you to heaven and back. Your little sister, Carolyn
Keisha says
Going to miss you grandma! Love you! – Keisha
Tammy Redstone Frank says
Hey cousin Emily you are home now and at peace this is not good-bye but I’ll see you later , rest easy Love cousin Tammy 🙏💕
Carla Cantrell says
My relatives I am so sorry for your loss. May creator give you comfort during this time. My heart & prayers are with you
Becky says
My condolences and prayer’s to her family, and friends, she was always a pleasure to serve at the Senior feeding Center, she always had a smile and a kind word when she picked up her meal. I’ll also miss seeing her around town with her dog.