She was born on April 28, 1932 in Pennington Gap, VA to the late DV and Eliza Gilliam. One of thirteen children, Emma was especially close to her sister, Mary Adeline Martin of Clinton, TN until her death in July 2020. After graduating from Pennington Gap High School, Emma moved to Clinton, TN where she met Howell “Buddy” Morgan. They married on April 28, 1953 in Knoxville, TN and had three children. Before his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1974, the family traveled coast to coast and lived in New Zealand for three years. Emma became a widow in 1987 after 34 years of marriage.
Emma dedicated her life to her family, pets, and home. She was a homemaker for three decades before going to work at Ham’n Goodys in Knoxville. Her favorite sweet treat was a Ham’n Goodys’ tea cake. A lover of animals, she adopted numerous stray cats over the years and enjoyed watching birds eat from her feeder. Emma took pride in her home and spent many hours caring for her yard.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howell “Buddy” Morgan; grandson, Jarrod Christian in 2012; eight brothers and sisters; and son-in-law, Rodney Christian in 2011. She is survived by her three children, Ron Morgan (Melinda), Teresa Cain, and Karen Christian; grandson, Tyler Christian; granddaughter, Allison Cain; and four brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery in Knoxville, TN on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Emma’s nephew, Rev. Eric Helms will officiate. Berry Highland Funeral Home in Knoxville, TN is responsible for arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on her behalf to Young-Williams Animal Center or the ASPCA.
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