Emma Gene Reames

Emma Gene (Rogers) Reames, 91 of Romance, Arkansas, passed away peacefully and entered the gates of Heaven June 17, 2025. She was born on October 3, 1933, to Ham and Lottie (Plant) Rogers. She was the last living child of fourteen.

Emma Gene graduated from Rose Bud High School in 1951 and continued to carry that Rambler pride throughout her life. She and her husband, Buddy Reames, were married forty-seven years; and she remained dedicated and faithful to the “love of her life” and best friend even after his passing in 1999. Their love created the life of their only child, Jeannie Elizabeth.

After graduation, Emma Gene worked for Tuff-Nut Industries in Little Rock as a Supervisor/Line Workers for 10 years. In the early 60’s, after Jeannie was born, the country life called Emma Gene and Buddy back to Romance to pursue their dreams of farming, they became a full-time cattle and chicken farm, where they worked side by side for twenty-five years. There is no truer statement than the one that says, “I love you except when we’re working cows” between Emma Gene and Buddy. Emma Gene was a faithful member of the Romance Church of Christ where she was a mighty prayer warrior and servant to many.

Emma Gene loved to watch any Arkansas Razorback sport and could get quite excited -- especially when they beat any North Carolina team! For many years, if you wanted to see Emma Gene, she could be found watching basketball at the Rose Bud High School gym cheering on her beloved alma mater, the Rose Bud Ramblers.

Emma Gene’s family continued to grow. She is survived by her daughter Jeannie (Bo) Cook; granddaughters, Tosha (Shorty) Reddick and Madison (Anthony) Ultrino; 7 great grandchildren, Hunter, Paizlie, Madison, Harper, Leliana, Ethan and Giovanni.

The family would like to thank the Southridge Village Nursing and Rehab and Gentiva Hospice for their love and immense care that they provided to Emma Gene and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like anyone willing to donate to the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging; https: //Aging.UAMS.edu/giving/ways-to-give/, or the Romance Cemetery Fund, Romance, AR 72136.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19th from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. at the Romance Church of Christ, followed by the Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. The burial will be at the Romance Cemetery.

Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry, Beebe, Arkansas. To view the online register: www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook