Emilia Nevins

Emily was truly one of a kind—the kind of person who knew how to live life to the fullest. Always the fun girl and always ready to dance, she brought joy and energy wherever she went. She had an amazing smile that could light up a room and a wonderful spirit that drew people to her.

Emily’s independence and determination began at an early age. At just 15 years old, she left home and went to New York, where she worked at the Bulova Watch Factory while attending cosmetology school. That courageous beginning led to a career that she loved. A talented cosmetologist for more than 40 years, Emily was the proud owner of LE Haircut, her beauty salon in Miami, Florida, for more than 25 years. Through her work, she touched the lives of countless people and built a life through hard work, determination, and a love for making others feel beautiful.

Emily was also an avid traveler and adventurer. Alongside her husband and the love of her life, Freeman Nevins, she created a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Together, Emily and Freeman traveled extensively and drove through every state in the continental United States, making the journey to Alaska twice. Their love of travel, adventure, and simply enjoying life together was a beautiful part of their marriage. Freeman preceded Emily in death 15 years ago, almost to the day, and one can only imagine the joyful reunion between them. Knowing Emily, she is already dancing and trying to get Freeman out on the dance floor.

Family was the center of Emily’s heart. She shared an especially close relationship with her only child, Manuel Fils, and his wife, Meg, who had been a part of Emily’s life and family for 42 years. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, understanding, and countless cherished memories.

Emily absolutely adored her two granddaughters, Blair Fils Pollock, an English teacher, and her husband, Sam Pollock, and Aubrie Fils, a registered nurse in oncology. She was incredibly proud of the women they had become and of the lives and careers they had built.

Her heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her four great-grandchildren: Eden, Cole, Jojo, and Mary-Blair. They brought her immeasurable joy and truly completed her life.

Emily was the oldest of ten children, with her youngest sibling being 22 years her junior. She carried with her the experiences and memories of a large and loving family throughout her life. She loved her many nieces and nephews, and held an especially close place in her heart for Isa Stegman and Angie Ramirez, with whom she shared a very special bond.

In her later years, Emily continued to embrace life with the same joyful spirit she had always possessed. She loved going to the senior center, where she enjoyed singing, playing bingo, spending time with friends, and taking the occasional trip to the casino. She knew how to have fun, and she never lost her ability to find happiness in the simple pleasures of life.

Emily leaves behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, love, music, dancing, and the reminder that life is meant to be lived fully. She was the epitome of someone who embraced every moment and made the most of the years she was given.

Though she will be deeply missed, those who loved her can take comfort in imagining Emily exactly where she would want to be—reunited with Freeman, surrounded by love, with music playing and dancing the night away.

Her life was full. Her love was great. Her smile was unforgettable. And her dance will go on forever.