Mrs. Emma Catherine Martin Small

Mrs. Emma Catherine Martin Small, age 94, of Beaumont, Mississippi, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on March 13, 2026, at Sparrow Hills Assisted Living in Lucedale, Mississippi.

She was born in Perry County, Mississippi, on November 13, 1931, to Bryan and Emma Rasberry Martin. Throughout her long and meaningful life, she was known for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and deep love for her family and friends. She was a devoted and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Beaumont, where her quiet strength and Christian example touched many lives.

Mrs. Small was a loving wife, mother, aunt, and loyal friend to many. Her life reflected kindness, patience, and a sincere care for others. She found great joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved gardening and took pride in growing beautiful flowers that brightened her home and yard. One of her greatest pleasures was feeding and watching the wild birds that visited her yard. She delighted in naming them and carefully caring for them, and at times she could be found tending to more than one hundred hummingbirds that gathered around her feeders.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lt. Col. Alvin L. Small; her son, Jerry Small; her parents, Bryan and Emma Rasberry Martin; and her siblings, Mary Thomasson, Benjamin Martin, Sammie Smith, Violet Henderson, Shannon Lott, and Gary Wayne Martin.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her daughter, Martha (Thomas) Register of Jacksonville, Florida; her brother, Elwyn Martin of Bossier City, Louisiana; and her sister, Lorraine (Allen) Johnson of Beaumont, Mississippi. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will continue to hold her memory close to their hearts.

Emma Catherine’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, and quiet devotion. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and resting in the eternal care of her Savior.

The family would like to thank her niece, Kim Thomasson, who provided her nursing experience, love, and caring support for her in her final years. We would also like to thank Todd and Valerie Tanner as well as the wonderful and caring staff at Sparrow Hills Personal Care in Lucedale.  Thanks also to George Regional Hospital and Rehab for their exceptional care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday March 17, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Beaumont with Bro. John Sapp officiating. Burial will follow in the Beaumont Cemetery.  Visitation for Mrs. Small will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, also at the church.  Serving as pallbearers will be Leon Small, Dale Carnahan, Channing Cochran, Jamie Thomasson, Quinn Martin, and Wayne Martin.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Allen Johnson, Boots Lott, J.T. Henderson, Hancel Holder, Ammon Herring, and Scott Dearman.