Beverly Denton Emerson

Mrs. Emerson passed away Wednesday morning at Bolivar General Hospital. She was a native and life-long resident of Bolivar, the daughter of the late Harry Boyette and Mary Elizabeth Williams Denton.

Mrs. Emerson was well-known for her musical abilities as organist for the Bolivar First Baptist Church for many years, where she was a member. Also, she was a teacher of both piano and organ to the young people of Hardeman County and surrounding areas. She inspired many of her students to become outstanding musicians. She also contributed to her community as a nursing home volunteer; visiting residents and entertaining them with her talent. Additionally, she provided music for countless numbers of funeral services.

Mrs. Emerson attended schools in Bolivar and in 1951, she graduated from Bolivar Central High School as valedictorian of her class. On September 16th of that year, she married Mr. John Edwin Emerson, Jr., who survives. At church, she had served in the WMU and was a valiant prayer warrior. She never missed an opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ. The type of person who "never met a stranger", her family describes her as loving, kind and always to be found smiling. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, crocheting and working on puzzles.

In addition to her husband of 65 years, she leaves two daughters, Mary Nola Meeks (Jimmy) of Halls, TN and Marian Puckett (Mitch) of Bolivar; one son, Edwin Boyette Emerson (Rachel) of Franklin, TN; one sister, Marion Nuckolls (Vernon Ray) of Bolivar; 10 grandchildren, Susan Bunkley (James), Christi Meeks, Melinda Davidson (David), Blake Emerson, Tyler Emerson (Tiffany), Kristina Emerson, Joseph Emerson (Alise), Andrew Thompson, Katie Puckett and Caleb Puckett; and nine great-grandchildren, Lillian, Zakk, Shelby, James, Bailey, Olivia, Adelaide, David, Will and "one on the way."

Other than her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, David Morris Emerson; one sister, Patricia Shearin; and her brother, Harry Morris Denton.

Memorials may be sent to Bolivar First Baptist Church (http://www.fbcbolivartn.org) or Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (http://www.lebonheur.org)