Emma Ann Stovall (nee Katschman), age 87, formerly of Ripley, went to be with our Lord on December 10, 2022 after a sudden illness.
Emma was raised at Ashport and Arp, graduated from Ripley High in 1952 and worked at the City Café before moving to Memphis. She retired in 1994 after 41 years as a long distance operator and supervisor for AT&T. She moved back to the Ripley area and shortly then started working at Arp One Stop, where she enjoyed meeting all the customers, as well as renewing friendships with old friends and family. She was an avid reader, loved the slots, Friday night ‘social’ bingo, and attending the CWA Pioneers, and supported several charities, especially the Lions Club. She was often described as a ‘sweet lady’.
She is survived by her daughter Susan Harrell; son Andy Stovall (Missy); two grandchildren Drew Stovall (Melanie) and Ashley Benson; three great-grandchildren Charlotte, Cayden, and Connor; her brother Carl (Sonny) Katschman (Katie Sue); her sister-cousin Jean (Tichenor) Walker-Holt as well as her nieces and nephews, in addition to old and new friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband James Stovall, son Mike Stovall, her parents Carl (Boots) and Ruth (Tichenor) Katschman and her brother George (Tint) Katschman.
Visitation will be at Garner Funeral Home in Ripley starting at 10 AM Thursday, December 15, 2022 with graveside services immediately follow at Poplar Grove Cemetery, where five generations of family members have been buried for over 100 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the local Lions Club.
