Lori Emmer Cain's Obituary
Lori Emmer Cain, born June 29, 1965, passed away on February 24, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida from a short battle with cancer. Lori was born in Miami, moving with her family to Gainesville at a young age. She attended Gainesville High School and the University of Florida.
Lori’s career in the family business didn’t happen to her, she achieved it. In 1985 she embarked on her 37 year career at the bottom doing whatever was asked of her. Under her father’s leadership, and with amazing commitment and focus, Lori excelled under multiple roles and eventually into the deserved role of President in 2002. Lori held multiple Florida licenses: building contractor, community association manager, real estate agent and real estate broker. For 20 years she led The Emmer Group with a passion to provide homes for the community that she loved and lived in and an atmosphere where employees were more like family members.
Character was essential to Lori and through compassion, generosity, and kindness her superlative character humbly shined. Her commitment to supporting her community and the programs she participated in will be remembered by many. She was involved in a multitude of professional, charitable and community affiliations: Builders’ Association of North Central Florida (chair positions, board member and past-president), Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce (board member), The Education Foundation of Alachua County (board member), Take Stock in Children (mentor), Junior League of Gainesville (committee chair), Gainesville High School Quarterback Club, PTA President Parker (JJ Finley) Elementary, to name a few.
Recognition of Lori’s giving nature and professional achievements were bestowed upon her through numerous awards including but not limited to Volunteer of the Year at each of her children’s schools, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Women Who Make A Difference (2016), and BANCF Builder of The Year (2006) and Chair of the Year (2001). Her selfless actions included countless hours coordinating and operating GHS concessions for more than 10 years, of which she did not seek acknowledgement for, but for which her family, friends and this community will treasurer in memory of her.
Lori’s greatest treasure in life was her family. She raised her three boys with love and devotion that never waned. She provided them with an example of a strong, ambitious, determined, loving, and benevolent role model. Four years ago she fell in love and enjoyed the last years of her life with her husband with tremendous joy, a smile on her face every day and a sparkle in her eye for him.
Those left to cherish Lori’s memory are her husband Fitzhugh Lee Cain III “Hugh”; sons Ryan McGriff, Nicholas McGriff, and Kyle McGriff; step-children Taylor Cain, Kayla (Ashton) Sheffield and Payton Cain; grandson Hayden Sheffield, mother Barbara Emmer; brother Robert Emmer and two nephews; and a host of loving friends that she adored. She is predeceased by her father Philip I. Emmer, sister Jodi Emmer and uncle Ronnie Lazarus.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Bull Gator Deck located on the second level of the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium 157 Gale Lemerand Drive (parking available at the O’Connell Center, enter stadium by the Heisman statues) beginning at 11am to 1pm Saturday, February 26th, 2022. In true Lori fashion the family welcomes you to wear bright colors. Arrangements are under the care of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations be made in the memory of Lori to the Barbara and Phil Emmer Family Foundation, Inc., 2801 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608 where contributions will be made to some of Lori’s most treasured organizations.
What’s your fondest memory of Lori Emmer?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lori Emmer?
Share a story where Lori Emmer's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lori Emmer you’ll never forget.
How did Lori Emmer make you smile?