Mrs. Emma Jean Graham, age 95, Chuckey, was a pillar of the South Central Community and the heart of a large, devoted family. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, February 18, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Born in Washington County, TN, on January 18, 1931, to the late Sam and Lola Love, Emma Jean lived a life defined by hard work, creativity, a steadfast loyalty to her family, and her Methodist faith. Her hands were rarely still; whether she was stitching intricate quilts, tending to her garden, or looking after her loved ones, she lived with constant, quiet energy and a strength you could always count on.

After years of dedicated work at Stein Ways’s Sewing Factory and Magnavox, as well as owning Graham’s Florist in Chuckey, Emma Jean enjoyed a long retirement defined by her family and her crafts. An avid quilter, she created beautiful treasures for her loved ones, but her true happiness came from the simple joy of spending time with her children and the many generations of grandchildren who followed.

Emma Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Graham, and their infant daughter, Regina. In addition, she was preceded in death by parents, Sam and Lola Love; brothers, Curtis, Robert, Johnny and Jackie Love; sister, Della Mae Brockwell; and sons-in-law, Donald Bailey and Darrell Bailey.

Her legacy of love continues through her surviving children: Sue Bailey, Terry Graham (Connie), Kyle Graham (Sheila), and Renea Bailey. She also leaves behind a large and devoted family, including grandchildren: Donna Bowler (Rich)Angela Brooks (Terry), Jennifer Barnwell (Darrell), Kevin Graham (Brooke), Kim Baker (James), Craig Bailey (Audrea), Kyleah Mauk (Phil), and Chase Bailey (Summer). Her memory will be further cherished by her great-grandchildren: Maggie McCartt (Bill), Eli Barnwell, Dalton Baker (Savannah), Hunter Baker, Ryan Bowler, Nevan Bowler, Juliann Mauk, Haleah Baumgardner (Dustyn), Carissa Davis, Nick Davis, Dylan Bailey, Branson Bailey, Hannah Bailey, Reece Bailey, Kip Graham, and Knox Graham; and great-great-grandchildren, Henry and Lucy McCartt.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Broyles and Mr. Phil Mauk officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 PM Saturday prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Liberty Cemetery.

Her grandsons will have the honor of serving as pallbearers.

The family wished to express their heartfelt gratitude to Priscilla Broyles and Amedisys Hospice, Elizabethton, for the compassionate care and support provided during Emma Jean’s final days.