EMMA RUTH PRITCHARD

PRITCHARD, Emma Ruth Watkins, 93, of Emporia, Va., died on August 13, 2013 in Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia. Emma Ruth was born on May 20, 1920 to the late John Carter Watkins and Emma Ruth Webb Watkins. She was predeceased in death by her husband of 64 years, J. Raymond Pritchard Jr. She is survived by her son and daughter, John R. Pritchard III of Williamsburg and Ruth Carter Pritchard of Emporia. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary W. Little and Jean W. Saunders, both of Emporia; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Emma Ruth graduated in 1941 from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg and thereafter taught school for a few years in Southampton County, Va. and Emporia before becoming a wife and mother, two roles that were most important to her. For virtually all her life she lived in Emporia, and was very active in Main Street United Methodist Church and its womens groups and Sunday school. An avid reader, she was a member of the Emporia Book Club and the Hicksford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed her Bridge games, belonging to several clubs, and could move a pair of knitting needles so fast they became a blur. Emma Ruth possessed a wonderful temperament and sense of humor, and was a joy to be around. She was blessed with scores of friends of all ages, and that to a large degree was because she herself was a loyal and caring friend to so many. Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She will be greatly missed and memories of times together will be cherished. A funeral service will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church in Emporia on Friday, August 16, at 1 p.m., followed by interment in Emporia Cemetery, and then a reception in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that any memorial gifts be made to the Greensville Rescue Squad or Main Street United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.