Emma Sue Ledbetter, 90, of New Hope went home to her final resting place on July 12, 2024. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones.
Emma was born on May 27, 1934 in New Hope, Alabama to Robert and Ruby Self before returning back to Huntsville. She was a devoted wife to Leonard Ledbetter for over 60 years, a mother of 3 beautiful children and great grandmother to 15 great grandchildren.
She was the true matriarch of her family, always showering those around her with so much love. She was known for her kindness and generosity, which knew no bounds. Her whole life was spent fiercely loving others with everything she had. She retired from the Huntsville City School System.
She loved traveling and would always share memories of travels she took with her whole family, whom she enjoyed spending most of her time with. She loved watching soap operas and crime dramas, listening to old country music, and calling those around her to share in the latest gossip. She had a great sense of humor and could always make you laugh, even in the worst of times. In her last years, her humor was also paired with her blunt honesty — which brought even more humor to the lives of those around her.
Her love was so wide and big for those in her life — if you were hungry, she was always the one to make sure you were fed and fed well. If you were hurting, she was always the one to provide the comfort you needed. If you needed a hug, her arms were always opened wide. She was truly the optime of love — in its purest form. Even in her final moments she was making sure those around her knew how much she loved them!
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Ledbetter; parents, Robert Lee and Ruby Bea Self; siblings, Betty Self, Alice Michaels, Doris Diestch, Roy Self and her twin brother, Johnny Self.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Pamela Ledbetter Bell, Kathy (Mike) Chester, Michael Lee Ledbetter; grandchildren, April Hill, Michelle (Brian Forte) Ledbetter, Elizabeth Bell, Jessica (Daniel) Fowler, Lindsey (Brent) Rideout, Sara Bell, Garrett (Karin) Bell, Wyatt Chester; 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Mary (Dan) Beard, Bobby (Sandra) Self, Gerald (Glenda) Self; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel. Service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM. Interment will be in the Hayden Cemetery.
The family would like to acknowledge the tender and loving care received by the team and staff of Hospice of North Alabama.
In remembrance of Emma, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Hospice of North Alabama.
