Frances Emerson

Mary Frances Emerson, age 89 of Rutherford, Tennessee, passed away from this life on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Jackson Madison County Hospital. Funeral services for Mrs. Emerson will be conducted on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 11:00 am in the Rutherford chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Randy Crews officiating. Interment will follow in Rutherford Cemetery.

Frances was born April 17, 1932, in Trenton, TN; the daughter of the late Jimmy J. & Mary Louise Dotson Gilliland.  

Frances graduated from Bradford High School in 1951.  After graduation, she worked at Rutherford Garment Co., Peggy’s Dress Shop, and other jobs.

She and Otis Arland Emerson married November 5, 1955, in Corinth, MS.  They lived in Rutherford most of their married life and were members of First Baptist Church in Rutherford.  They moved to Trenton in 1989.  Frances was a Charter member of the Rutherford Jaycettes, the Gibson County Elk Ladies, Ladies Birthday Club, and Eastern Star.

She is survived by three children, Jeffery Emerson (Robbie) of Rutherford, Judith Horner of Rutherford, Janice Grooms (Mark Yarbrough) of Trenton; four grandchildren, Kevin Horner of Herrin, IL, Dusty Emerson (Beverly) of Rutherford, Courtnee’ Grooms of Trenton, Caleb Grooms of Alabama; eight great grandchildren; siblings, Laverne Parnell, Shirley Warren (Reel), Neil Gilliland, Polly Ellis (Steve), OD Gilliland, and Faye Sharp (Daniel). She was preceded in death by husband Arland Emerson; sister, Betty Rickman; brother, James Harold Gilliland; parents, Jimmy J. & Mary Louise Gilliland; and son in law, George Horner.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Sunday, November 21, 2021, in the Rutherford chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home. Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Mary Frances Emerson.