Emma Marie Braddock

Emma Marie Braddock, 90, died July 15, 2023, at Magnolia Place Personal Care Home in New Albany, MS. Emma was born in Ripley on May 22, 1933, to Thomas Nathan Braddock and Verdie Welch Braddock. She lived her whole life there, graduating from Ripley High School in 1951 and working in the family store, T.N. Braddock Dry Goods. She was a member of the First Baptist Church for seventy-nine years and was active in the choir until recent years. Emma attended Blue Mountain College and received her Master's Degree from Memphis State University. She then began a twenty-five-year career as a Physical Education instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where she organized and coached the tennis team and was inducted into the NEMCC Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Emma was a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer for over thirty years. She positively influenced countless children and adults in her swimming, CPR, and First Aid programs. An avid tournament golfer and legend in the women's golfing circle, Emma treasured her time on the links and served as an advocate for all women's sports. Emma is survived by four nieces, one grandniece, one nephew, and four grandnephews: Danette Kong, Maui, HI; Mary Verdine Kong (Geronimo), Maui, HI; Edna Marie Kong, Maui, HI; Betty Jo Kong DeFries (James), O'ahu, HI; Hope Kanani DeFries, O'ahu, Hl; Johnny Ralph Henry, Canyon, TX; Colbert Braddock Jones, Starkville, MS; William Justin Jones, Nashville, TN; Daniel Keala DeFries, Maui, HI; and Riverson Poole, O'ahu, HI. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and in-laws: her brother Dr. Tom Braddock (Vivian), her sisters Mary Eleanor Braddock Kong (Dan) and Betty Jo Braddock Henry (Johnny), and three nieces Tommy-Lei Eileen Kong, Emily Braddock Jones and Betty Gail Henry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ripley First Baptist Church or to any charity of choice. Pallbearers are Ancel Cross, Duane Bullard, Colbert Braddock Jones, William Justin Jones, Johnny Ralph Henry, John Braddock, Jimmy McMillin, and Dr. Ricky Ford. Honorary pallbearers are her Red Cross Swimming volunteers, former NEMCC faculty, and her golfing friends.

Emma Marie Braddock

May 22, 1933 - July 15, 2023