Mrs. Emma Jean

Emma Jean Davis Redding passed away Feb. 7, 2026, at St. Vincent's in Middleburg, following treatment after breaking her hip in Dec. 2025. Emma Jean was born in Pensacola, Florida to Benjamin Leopold and Flossie Aline Johnson Davis. She grew up learning to hold her own, being the only girl in the house. Her childhood consisted of crabbing, swimming in the bayou, and roller skating down Bayou Blvd. She graduated from Pensacola High School in 1944. She met her future husband, Norman Lyle Redding, through mutual friends and they were married Jan. 21, 1945. They were married for 54 wonderful years before Norman passed away in 1999. Their son, Norman Jr (Butch) was born in 1948. In 1955 they moved to Birmingham, Alabama for Norman to attend Howard College. Then in 1958, they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana for Norman to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Emma Jean proudly received her "PHT" (putting him through) degree by working at American Standard. Before and after graduation, they served in several Baptist Churches in Louisiana and Alabama. Their daughter, Christie Jean, was born while they were serving at Brushy Creek Baptist Church in 1960. The family moved to Starke December 1962 when Norman became the Death Row Chaplain at Florida State Prison. After substituting for several years, in 1968 Emma Jean became the Attendance Clerk at Bradford High School, a position she held until her retirement in 1992. Her familiar "This is Emma Jean Redding from the high school" became legendary in the community. She knew when students were out sick, on vacation, or skipping. The Starke police even used her knowledge of students to help solve a local robbery. She was honored in 2019 as a "Leave a Legacy" recipient by the Bradford Education Foundation.

Emma Jean's hobbies included sewing and cooking. She made Christie's prom dresses, and everyday clothes. When grandchildren came along, she sewed each grand a special blanket when they were born. She also made many Halloween costumes and costumes for her to dress up at BHS. Emma Jean loved to cook for others. After moving into their new house, she loved to host many meals. These included the BHS staff for meals on planning days, Valentine's Banquets for widows, and many Tuesday Night Suppers, for family, friends and people she just met! She also sent many birthday cards over the years and was a season ticket holder for the Bradford Tornadoes football team for many years (top row!).

Emma Jean Davis Redding was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Norman. Brothers Benjamin Davis, Jr, William Davis, Robert Davis, John Davis, and Thomas Davis. Sister Fay Aline (who passed at 2 ½ years). She is survived by son Colonel (Ret) Norman Redding (Mary), daughter Christie R. Torode (Carl), brother Charles Davis (Sandra), grandchildren: Robert Andrew Redding (Jenny), Norman James Redding, Shelley T. Luke (Josh), and Amanda T. Hamilton (Danny), great grandchildren: Remington, Kimber, Raegan, Judson, Laken, Brooke, Leah, Holston, Tate and Trisha, and great great grandchild Lindsey. She is also survived by sister-in-laws: Rose Marie, Marilyn, Sue, and many nieces and nephews.

Emma Jean has been a faithful member of the Kingsley Lake Baptist Church for many years. The family will receive friends at the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church with interment following at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Arkadelphia Baptist Church, 8368 SR 91, Hanceville, Alabama 35077 or to the Bradford County Education Foundation 501 W. Washington Street, Starke, FL 32091.

Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, FL 2091. (904) 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.