Emma Jean Vernon

Emma Jean Vernon, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at the age of 93. Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at River of Life Church, 202 McCully Ave., Louisville, MS. Interment will follow in Vernon Cemetery, Shuqualak, MS. Visitation will be held at the church from 1- 2 p.m.

Emma was born on May 11, 1932, in Dorsey, Mississippi in Itawamba County, to Relmer and Myrtle Guin, and lived a long, full life rooted in faith, love, and family.

Emma loved the Lord deeply and was faithful to her church, attending River of Life Church in Louisville, Mississippi for many years. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she shared it quietly but powerfully through the way she loved and cared for others.

In 1949, she married her sweetheart, James Vernon. Together they shared 66 years of marriage filled with love, hard work, and family. They raised five children and built a legacy that continues to grow through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and now great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, and two infant sons, James Earl and Michael Eugene, who she now rejoins in Heaven.

Emma was famous in the family for her cooking—especially her macaroni and cheese and her biscuits with the imprint of her knuckle pressed in the top. One great-grandchild still says, “No one can make macaroni and cheese like Granny. It’s like her hair made it special and she sprinkled the love in it.” Her kitchen was a place where love was served generously, and those simple, delicious meals became family treasures that will never be forgotten.

Emma is preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings, Judy Angle, Pete Guin, and O’Neal Guin.

She leaves behind three children, Linda Agnew (Eddie), Jerry Vernon (Christine), and Rebecca Foster (Roy).

She was a devoted and proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Charlie Agnew (Carly), Michael Agnew (Leah), Amanda Robinson (Chris), Rick Foster (Jasmine), Lela Richardson (Justin), Jessica Allen (Blake), Will Foster (Shelby), Justin Vernon, Austin Vernon (Lisa), and Lance Vernon.

Emma also leaves behind twenty great-grandchildren: Braxton Agnew (Amy), Weston Agnew, Jameson Agnew, Bronson Agnew, Abby Agnew, Cooper Agnew, Connor Robinson, Emma Robinson, Lawson Robinson, Avalynn Robinson, Channey Vernon, Rylee Grace Vernon, Jessa Claire Vernon, Maverick Vernon, Alaina Richardson, Sophia Richardson, Chandler Allen, Rosie Allen, James Ray Allen, Harrison Foster, and Hendrix Foster; and one great-great-grandchild, Harper Agnew, two brothers, Kenneth (Betty) Guin of Nettleton, MS and Jack (Sara) Guin of Kennewick, WA.

She was so proud of her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with them. Whether it was a Sunday lunch, a holiday gathering, or just sitting together on the porch, her presence made everything feel a little warmer.

In her later years, Emma lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Eddie Agnew, in Louisville, where she was surrounded daily by the love of her family. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her quiet strength, her gentle spirit, and the love she poured into everything she did—especially her family.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Agnew, Michael Agnew, Rick Foster, Will Foster, Justin Vernon, Austin Vernon, and Lance Vernon. Honorary pallbearers will include her great-grandsons: Braxton Agnew, Weston Agnew, Jameson Agnew, Bronson Agnew, Cooper Agnew, Connor Robinson, Lawson Robinson, Channey Vernon, Maverick Vernon, Chandler Allen, James Ray Allen, Harrison Foster, and Hendrix Foster.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Hillhouse, Medicaid Waiver, Enhabit Hospice, and dear friend Mary Thompson for their compassionate care and support.