Emmalyn “Em” Snavely Dillon, age 78 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away on October 17, 2026. She was born on March 15, 1948, to the late Paul Maynard Phillips and Margorie Taylor Phillips Keyt. Em was a 1966 graduate of Murfreesboro Central High School and Ray Reed’s School of Cosmetology. She was a former member of Hillview Baptist Church and currently attending Temple Baptist.
Miss Em, as she was affectionately called was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 49 years, Charlie O. Snavely who passed away in 2017. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Paulette Baucum (Bill) of Shelbyville, Tennessee; brother, Scott Phillips, husband of Robyn Phillips of Missouri; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her Husband, Clarence Edward Dillon of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; brother, Edwward M. (Patricia) Phillips Sr. of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; sons, Charles Scott Snavely of North Carolina and John Patrick Snavely of Tallahassee, Florida; granddaughter, Allison Snavely of North Carolina; and multiple nieces and nephews.
While living in North Carolina she was active in their son’s school life especially band, having been a member of the band boosters and working at football games, competitions, and trips. She was also active in her church, having been an organist, a member of Women’s Mission, and taught Sunday School at different levels. Em worked at Western Auto as the office manager in Apex, North Carolina for twelve years and then at BB&T Bank until her health caused her to retire. After her husband’s death, she relocated back to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to be near her family.
Honorary Pallbearers are Edward “Bubba” Phillips, Will Phillips, Elijah Phillips, Eric Phillips, Tres Baucum, Gerry Watson, Jimmy League, David Ellis, Bruce Ellis, Marty Smith, Phil Taylor, Zack Martin and Wayne Walker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Tennessee.
A visitation with the family will be at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 10:00 am until the time of memorial services beginning at 12:00 pm.
An online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.
