Emma Renell Raney

Emma Renell (Wilbanks) Raney, 100, passed away at her home on July 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She passed away peacefully on the very land where she was born-leaving behind a legacy rooted in love and family, with deep roots that stretch from generations past to those yet to come. Nell was born on March 20, 1925, in Argo, Texas, to Els and Lola Babe (Smith) Wilbanks. The only daughter of the family, she was deeply cherished by her parents and her two brothers, Alvin and Jude. A lifelong member of Argo Missionary Baptist Church, Nell's faith and community were central to her life. Nell lived life with gentle grace. She loved immensely, encouraged everyone to live fully, and was a trusted source of kindness and comfort. Her positivity was infectious and she loved to laugh-especially during family story time, where she often laughed until she cried. Nell had a rare gift for making others feel at peace; talking with her made everything better, every time. She was a gift to all who knew her. She met the love of her life, Charles Raney, and they were married on December 28, 1944. Together, they raised four children-Carolyn, Linda, Dale, and Kim. They lived a few years in Morenci, AZ, then returned to Titus County and eventually moved back to her childhood home where she was born. Nell loved gardening, cooking, quilting, and a good game of 42. She never missed a school play, ball game, or event involving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Traveling with family was another favorite joy. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Linda Siefert, Dale (Anita) Raney, Kim (Brian) Lloyd, and son-in-law Jerry Pope; as well as her grandchildren: Angie (Jeff) Turner, Brian (LaDonna) Pope, Jerilyn (Dustin) Arneson, Michael (Amie) Siefert, Cheryl (Ryan) Brociek, Michelle (Jeff) Whorton, Krissy English, Matt (Angie) Raney, Vernon (Leslie) Cutler, Chris (Emily) Lloyd; Charles Lloyd; and her great-grandchildren: Cole (Shelby) Criss; Cooper Criss; Lane Pope; Elizabeth, Abbie, Emma, Hannah Siefert; Austin, Kaitlyn Brociek; Preston, Madelyn Arnold; Peyton Whorton; Tyler Raney; Samantha English; Jaycee, Hagen Cutler; Kentravion, Bent'lee Broughton; Jade (Josh) Contreras, Kinsley, Ian Lloyd. Nell was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Charles Raney; her parents, Els and Babe Wilbanks; her brothers, Alvin and Jude Wilbanks; her daughter, Carolyn Pope; her son-in-law, Rex Siefert; her nephews Vanoy and Lavelle Wilbanks; and granddaughter, Kasi Hopkins. A celebration of Nell's life will be held on Saturday, July 26th, at 10:00 a.m. at Argo Missionary Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery. An online registry is now available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com