Myrtle Rose Emerson Obituary (1937 - 2022)

Born on August 23, 1937, Myrtle Rose Leggett Emerson was the daughter of Mamie Elizabeth Bailey Leggett and Cyrus Liburn Leggett. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband Joe Silas Emerson, her daughter Mame' Lou Emerson, her parents, and her sister Betty Leggett Cooke. She died peacefully on August 27, 2022. Myrtle Rose is survived by her son Jody Emerson (Ginger), Elizabeth Shane French (Fenner) Milly Emerson Hart (Kelli), 8 grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and an extended family she loved very much. She was a graduate of Bells High School where she met and married her lifetime love, Joe. Myrtle Rose had a passion for family, traveling, antiquing, sewing, painting, and gardening. She authored a book about Fruitvale, Cypress, and her family history. A broad selection of her extensive quilt collection was featured at the Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis for their unique qualities. She was featured in Southern Living Magazine for her handmade and painted Father Christmases. These are just a few small examples of her accomplishments. Of Myrtle Rose's many qualities were her endless search for knowledge. This was exhibited by her zeal for travel and her love of architecture. She designed her own home and gardens after what she observed and studied both at home and abroad. Aptly named, Myrtle Rose developed and nurtured her lawn and gardens that rival any botanical garden across the country. An icon of her community, she was a strong woman whose family came first, and she instilled in them a bond that can never be broken. Myrtle Rose Emerson's talents were endless. None knew her but to love her. Mrs. Myrtle Roses' family will receive visitors from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Monday, August 29, 2022, at Ronk Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Cypress Community Church. Officiant of the service will be Bro. Dennis Renshaw, and burial will immediately follow at Cypress Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers for the service will be Vince Emerson, John French, Fenner French, Silas Emerson, Barry Cooke, Steve Cooke, and Richard Cooke.