Emily Hofferbert Morgan

She was born in Gadsden to Paul and Helen Hofferbert. She graduated from Gadsden High School, Auburn University and the University of Alabama. She was married to Jack Morgan from 1954 until his death in 2010. Emily grew up in First Presbyterian Church in Gadsden, then served the Lord for many years through Whites Chapel Baptist Church’s Coosa Christian School. For the past several years, she loved ministering at the First Baptist Church of Rainbow City teaching Sunday School and heading up the Operation Christmas Child/Samaritan’s Purse shoebox ministry. She retired from Etowah County Board of Education after completing her formal teaching career at Ivalee Elementary School. She never, however, actually quit teaching to which her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can attest. One of her grandchildren described Nanny as a lover of God, gardens and all things educational. The four-legged furry friends who were lucky enough to belong to her could make the list of what/who she loved also.

She was a proud Gold Tiger and attended the reunions as long as possible. She was an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international fraternity for educators and served as president of the Alabama Alpha Xi Chapter. She was instrumental in producing storytelling events in Etowah County and she loved scrapbooking and memorializing her family’s history. Perhaps one of her greatest legacies would be of teaching hundreds of children to read and learn the Bible, as well as encourage the character development of all children. She never said she taught reading, writing or arithmetic; rather, she taught children and dearly loved and prayed for each one in her care. She was a student herself of the Bible and loved sharing with 4 year-olds learning to read and 94 year-olds in her ladies’ Sunday School class. Certainly the way she lived her life was the greatest lesson she could have ever taught. Therefore, as her family, we may be sad but our hearts are not troubled with doubts of the healing of her body and mind. We are confident of her arriving at her eternal Home and hearing the words that she lived her life to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Emily’s husband Jack Morgan, her parents, and her brothers, Ernest and Paul, Jr. preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children: Karen (Mike) Christian, Stephanie (Larry) Burmeister, Jay (Angie) Morgan, and Jeni (Dan) Kratohvil.

Her grandchildren: Robyn (John) Cornelius, Chad (Jennifer) Clayton, Adam (Jenna) Christian, Matthew (Stephanie) Christian, Katie (Brett) Collins, Morgan Hopper, and Sarah Morgan. She also delighted in her nine great-grandchildren.

Her many, many friends join her family in thanksgiving for a life well-lived.

A memorial service celebrating and remembering her life will be held at Rainbow City First Baptist Church, on Monday, December 28, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Robbie Edwards officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. before the service. Her grandchildren will be the honorary pallbearers.

The family wishes to thank the many people who have journeyed with us these last few years, particularly Dr. Wren, Dr. Higgins, Crystal Henson, RN, and her caregivers Crystal, Dorothy, Faye, Latoya, Shalanda, and Tiffany.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Rainbow City, Gentiva Hospice of Etowah County, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com