Sallie Edwards Emory

Sallie Edwards Emory

Services celebrating the life of Sallie Edwards Emory begin at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Dixie Center for the Arts in downtown Ruston. Interment follows at Sibley Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Officiating the memorial service will be Rev. Larry Emory and Rev. Jerry Whitman. Pallbearers will be Dan O'Neal, III, John Richmond, Johnny Gilbert, Joe Reeves, Johnny Maxwell, Benny Denny, Gerry Click, and Glenn Neaville. Prior to the service the Emory family will receive friends at the Dixie Center beginning at 9:30 A.M.

Sallie was born in Ruston, Louisiana on June 23, 1932 to Gus and Fannie Hogan Edwards. On Saturday, April 6, 2013 Sallie left her earthly home on East Georgia to be with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Willard Edwards and J. W. Edwards, her sister Alverne Whitman, and son Paul Edwards Emory. Left to cherish beautiful memories are her husband of 60 years, John F. Emory; children, John Emory, Jr., Larry James Emory and wife Judy, Douglas Wilson Emory and wife Sherrie, and grandchildren, John Franklin Emory, Reba Emory and Mark Emory; and faithful friend and care provider Sandra Hart. Sallie also leaves behind her watchful black Lab, Gennis.

Sallie and John were married on December 20, 1952 in Choudrant and began life together in Fort Benning, Georgia. Their love of family and the hills of North Louisiana soon brought the couple and their young son back to Choudrant. John began his banking career at Ruston State Bank and Sallie began working for the Marbury Company. As the family grew, Sallie left the workforce and took on the full time responsibilities as mother and cheerleader of her four sons. She also found an avenue for service at Emmanuel Baptist Church and influenced the lives of many children as a faithful Sunday school teacher, and the ever enthusiastic Vacation Bible School instructor. She was also a long time member of the Faith Sunday School Class. Her life in the church also led her in a ministry of visiting in the nursing homes and assisting Christian Community Action.

Along with her husband John, Sallie supported the arts, and made sure her children and grandchildren shared her love of music. She was always present at ball games, recitals, and other events that sons and grandchildren pursued. Sallie loved to share her home, beautiful flowers, and excellent meals with friends and family. Many days she could be found working in her flower beds, watching the birds or resting on a bench with her husband at her side. Her gentle spirit, infectious smile, and beautiful blue eyes provide lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

In her time of illness Sallie was blessed to receive exceptional care provided by Kathy McCallum-Spears and Professional Hospice Care; nurses, Allison Wilson, Allison Easterling and Jennifer Thomas; sitters, Renae Johnson, Margaret Archie, Betty Thomas, Brianna Hogue and Deandria "DeDe" Williams.

The family suggests any donations be made to the Methodist Children's Home, Dixie Center for the Arts, 4-Paws or other charities that benefit children.

Online condolences may be sent to the family

at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

Ruston, LA