Emma Talbott

Emma Jane Reynolds Talbott awoke to the full measure of God’s mercy on May 4, 2018, in Danville, Virginia.      Born October 14, 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the only child of Victor Oliver Reynolds and Emma Lucy Motley Reynolds, who died five days later. EJ was lovingly reared by “parents” Wesley Carlton Raper and Grace Motley Raper, maternal aunt, in a household where cousins and siblings lived as one happy family.       In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Skidmore H. Talbott, her devoted husband of 51 years, and five “siblings,” Carlton Raper Moyse, Moba Raper Gordon, Grace Barnes Martin, James Barnes, and Joan “Jo” Couch Sanders.       EJ moved to Danville in 1941 and worked for the Industrial Bank of Danville, Hotel Danville, and the Danville Cancer Association, which she retired from as executive director in 1987 after a career of 22 years. A longtime, active member of Main Street United Methodist Church until its closing, she belonged to Trinity United Methodist Church.      Survivors include her four children, Laura Henderson, Cary, NC; Carlton Watkins, of Raleigh, NC; Terry Smith and husband, Lewis, of Roanoke; and William Talbott and wife, Karen, of Key Largo, FL; and Cecily Talbott of Danville, granddaughter and “fifth child” who shared EJ’s home from child- to adulthood. From the four, EJ had nine grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.      Among dozens of extended family who survive her is Jean Raper Barnes of Dallas, TX, her cousin/sister. Almost like children, a very special nephew and his wife, Jim and Vera Martin of Fayetteville, GA, remained close to EJ throughout her life.  Residents and staff of South Terrace, EJ’s friends and caregivers since 2013, provided love and devotion that the family will always appreciate.       A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Reverend Bobbie Henley will conduct the service which is open to all friends and family.          A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The family looks forward to gathering and sharing memories of this remarkable woman.           Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Danville, 405 Arnett Blvd., Danville, VA 24540, the Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association, 223 Riverview Dr., Suite J, Danville, VA 24541 or the charity of your choice.   "Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it." Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 (The Message)