Geneva Maxwell Emory

A memorial service celebrating the extraordinary life of Geneva Maxwell Emory, 95, will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Crossett, Arkansas, with a private family burial at 10 a.m. at Pinewood Memorial Park. Born in Ashley County, Ark. on April 12, 1916, to Robert L. and Geneva Redding Maxwell, Geneva passed away on April 19. She was a lifelong resident of Crossett and a member of First Baptist Church. Although Geneva worked in the private sector throughout her life, her most important work was that of building a family. Geneva was the original "pioneer woman" and the embodiment of the ideal wife and mother. Every child's dream of the perfect grandmother, Mamaw Cootsie rocked us until our feet dragged the floor. She made chicken and dumplings to quell our hunger and coughed up grasshoppers to keep us entertained. With a loving hand, she doctored our hurts with merthiolate, always making good on her promise of a silver dollar and a popsicle as rewards. As we grew, she doctored our hearts with a bowl of soup, a piece of cornbread, and a chat. Though she is gone, she remains the thread that runs through each piece of the quilt that is our family, binding us together. Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; ten siblings; the love of her life, George C. Emory; a daughter, Marolyn Lloyd; and a granddaughter, Lynn Ray Courtney. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Ray (Dean) and Joyce Allen (Jack); one son, Dan Emory (Linda); and one sister, Lottie Croswell, all of Crossett. Geneva is also survived by ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, thirteen great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. All services will be under the direction of Jones Funeral Home and officiated by Rev. Jerry Grant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 701 Main Street, Crossett, Ark. 71635; or a charity of the donor's choice.