Emily Ann Bounds left this world peacefully in the early hours of June 15, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones after almost 3 years battling stage four melanoma cancer.

Emily was born at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, TX, on August 28, 1997, and was born again by baptism on March 31, 2002, at the First United Methodist Church in Moody, Texas. Growing up and in her final years, Emily was a dedicated member of the Moody Leon Methodist Church.

In 2015, she graduated from Moody High School third in her class and continued her education at Sam Houston State University for 2 years before completing her education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with her degree in Biology. Emily loved learning new things, and during the time of her diagnosis, she was completing her master's program to become a physician assistant.

She was an accomplished student-athlete with many awards and recognitions. Emily loved a great cup of coffee, seeing her friends and family, reading books, and doing puzzles during a peaceful afternoon, and cracking jokes when you least expected them. She enjoyed playing pranks on others and was always the funniest person in the room, even when she wasn’t trying.

Those who knew her knew strength, compassion, and the abundance of love that shone through when she smiled or laughed. Emily was loved by many, but she also loved all who crossed paths with her and was a best friend to anyone who needed it.

Emily is preceded in death by her grandparents, Cora and George Bounds, Roger and Deborah Lowrey, and uncle Lucien Dean Keeton.

Emily is survived by her parents, Jesse and Rhonda Bounds; sisters, Krystal and Elizabeth Bounds; brother, Chance Bounds, and his fiancée, Hannah; and nephew and niece, Mason Blaylock and Ella Bounds. Additionally, Emily leaves behind her best friends and animals, Scotty June, Eli Benjamin, and Coffee Bean. Pallbearers for the service include Scott Wilson, Scott Cummings, Craig Beckner, Dan Stillwell, Kenny Prescott, Jarrod Thomas, and Garth Goodwin.

The family extends special thanks to the Moody Leon Methodist Church, Wes Waller and Buzz Softball, and Garth Goodwin and the Waco Fire Department.

Flowers are welcome, but donations made in lieu of flowers can be made to research cancer cures at MD Anderson or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. All events will be held at Moody High School Gymnasium at 11862 S Lone Star Pkwy, Moody, TX 76557.