Emily Royal

Emily Margaret Ernst Royal, age 47, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Irmo, South Carolina.


Emily is the beloved daughter of Kathleen Kirkpatrick and the late James Edward Ernst. Emily is survived by her siblings, Austin Ernst (Ashley), Kevin Ernst, nephew Noah Ernst and numerous cousins particularly in the Nashville, Tennessee and Huntington, Indiana area.


After graduating from high school Emily wanted to do something to help people. She worked in several group homes until she joined the United States Coast Guard. She seemed to have found her niche using her leadership abilities and desire to help others. She very much desired to serve in the Coast Guard until she retired. Unfortunately, she was medically discharged after serving eighteen years due to diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. During her military care her primary speciality was Maritime Enforcement Specialist, Boatswains Mate and Quarter Master. She received numerous decorations, medals, citations and campaign ribbons(Joint Commendation medal, Global War Terrorism Service Medal, Global War Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal with a Gold Star in lieu of a second and numerous others). She was part of the Coast Guard law enforcement in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. In her off duty time her hobby during active duty years was running. She won numerous marathon medals. She ran the Boston Marathon and won Coast Guard Athlete of the year. While she was in Irmo, SC she went to Pilates several times a week. She considered her Pilates friends as her family away from home. She was always bragging about them and their generosity.


Although she was considered 100% disabled from the Coast Guard she continued helping others as a Veterans Service Representative for the VA. She loved her job helping veterans get services for themselves and families. Even towards the end when her body was getting so weak she worked long hours helping as many veterans as she could. She had a motto “Don’t let a setback prevent a comeback.”


Emily was also very caring and giving to her family arranging get togethers. It meant so much to her to have family gatherings during her leaves from the Coast Guard.


Emily’s legacy is one of patriotism, strength, generosity, laughter, and resilience. She leaves behind countless memories that will continue to bring comfort to those who knew her. Though her physical presence is gone, her spirit will live on through her family, her stories and the care she poured into the lives of those around her.


Emily’s funeral will be at St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 895 N. Broad St, Lexington, TN August 27,2026 at noon. Interment will follow at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads , 693, Wildersville Rd., Parkers Crossroads, TN 38388.