Emma Deakides Conger

Elberton - Mrs. Emma Angelica Deakides Conger, 79, of Elberton, GA, wife of 30 years to the late Robert Stephens "Bob" Conger, Jr., passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood, SC. Emma was born in Elberton, GA on June 3, 1946, the only child of the late John Nichols Deakides and Emma Mae Tate Deakides. The family relocated to Atlanta, GA in 1950. It was here that Emma graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1964 and Massey Junior Business College in 1966. She gained employment at Fulton Federal Savings and Loan where she worked for three years prior to joining C&S Bank. In 1973, the family relocated to Athens, GA where Emma lived until 1989 when she, Bob, and her mother moved back home to Elberton. She retired in 1990 from C&S Bank. In retirement, Emma enjoyed living on her family farm in Middleton, Elbert County, GA, where she helped Bob raise beef cattle and work the pecan orchard. The duo never missed an opportunity to share their unique love story. Emma met Bob while she was working as his bank's customer service representative. They courted through the mail as they exchanged letters of encouragement to one another for four years. These letters eventually turned into love letters, and Bob proposed to his sweetheart as she sat on the washing machine observing him fold clothing. Civically, Emma was a member of the Elberton Elks Lodge #1100, the Elberton VFW Auxiliary, and the Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of First Methodist Church of Elberton where she was a member and president of the Mary Freeman Sunday School Class as well as a member of the Circle of Life Group. Emma enjoyed attending Silver Sneakers at the Elbert Memorial Hospital Wellness Center. She leaves behind her beloved four-legged companion, Kali, and a host of cousins, near and far. Funeral services celebrating Emma's life will be conducted on Friday, January 30, at 2:00p.m. at First Methodist Church of Elberton, with the Rev. John Donaldson officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved Bob in Elberton's Historic Elmhurst Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00-1:45p.m. prior to the service. Flowers are accepted. If desired, memorials may be made in her memory to First Methodist Church of Elberton, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, GA 30635 or to Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 4 Medical Drive, Elberton, GA 30635. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Emma Angelica Deakides Conger.