It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Wilma Dene Emmert, who passed away on June 2, 2026 at the age of 72.
Wilma was born on July 28, 1953, in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, life partner, and friend, whose kindness, strength, and generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She devoted her life to her family and took great joy in supporting and caring for those she loved.
She is survived by her children, Shelia Thompson and husband Brian, Missy Lovelady, and Eric McElyea; grandchildren, Logan Rasnake (Tyler), Caleb Centers, and Gage Lovelady; life partner of 33 years, Thomas Little; sisters, Teresa Osborne and Sue Hammett; many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Paul and Martha Emmert; brother Larry Emmert; and sister Linda Bowser.
Wilma will be remembered for her warm smile, compassionate heart, unwavering faith, and the love she shared so freely with others. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she treasured.
To honor her wishes, she has donated her body to the James H. Quillen College of Medicine for research. There will be no funeral or formal services. She preferred to be remembered in the memories shared, the stories told, and the love she left behind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Animal Shelter, if desired.
Wilma will be greatly missed! She was an amazing woman full of love for others and a great kindness that’s very rare in the world today! She will be missed! But she will live on in our memories and I have a lot ! My condolences to all her loved ones!
06/08/2026
Cindy Adams
Ms. Wilma (Mama) will always have a special place in my heart and the love she shared with everyone. My heart goes out to each one of you and sending many prayers daily.
06/08/2026
Savannah
My mom thinks the world of you and has for a long time, I’m thankful she had such a wonderful friend.
You often hear people talk about how wonderful someone is after they pass, well with Wilma it’s 100%, no exaggeration. The world lost a beautiful soul
06/08/2026
James Miller
My deepest condolences to the family. Your mother was loved by so many. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
06/08/2026
Sharla Morgan
The night I met her son, Eric, I knew right away that the mother must be a very special person! Indeed I was very correct and though I only knew her a short time, she was one of the most loving, accepting and caring people I have ever known. I was always treated as if her home was also mine and her cooking! Oh, so divine! The few memories I have been granted always bring a smile to my face and warm my heart. It would be difficult to figure just how many lives and hearts she touched in her time here, as the numbers are so great! The many years she spent teaching children are surely priceless! She gave me a pink flower for my hair, antique and clip on and I cherish it so. All I ever saw of this woman showed me a template and guide for what I should aspire to be like. She will be missed and I will always remember her as, "Mom". My deepest sympathies to all that knew and loved her and prayers and wishes that they find healthy ways to cope and manage the grief of such a shocking and grievous loss. Her light will always carry on and I am certain that memories of her will remain in the hearts and minds of many. In closing, I send my hopes and prayers that her family appreciates every moment they were gifted with her in their lives! I see and remember her every single day as I look at the heart suitcase she was kind enough to give me when all I had to carry my clothes in was a grocery bag or two. Wilma, or "Mom" was not having that! No she sent me with not just one heart suitcase but also two more matching suitcases and they all travel in my car. Her kindness and generosity is in my mind every single day and I will always strive to attempt to be the same towards my fellow man. Such a beautiful and beloved soul!
