Emma Jewell Grissom Hitchcock was born Nov. 18, 1926 in Van Buren County. She died May 17. She was 88 years of age.
A devoted wife and mother she was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in many teaching and leadership positions. She served faithfully in the Sisterhood Relief Society at the local and district levels. Mrs. Hitchcock was preceded in death by parents Walter Allen and Mary Elizabeth Galloway Grissom, a sister Wanda Grissom Hillis, and a brother Joe Grissom.
Her work career included a stenographer/clerk with the state Department of Public Welfare, a secretary with the Van Buren County School System, and serving as Van Buren County Clerk & Master of the Chancery Court.
Her interest was in her family, both present and past. She devoted much of her time searching out her ancestors as well as participating in organizations such as county historical groups, community improvement clubs, and Friends of the Library. She was also very active in volunteer service receiving the Presidential Senior Volunteer Award in 2008. She devoted time to the Warren County Agricultural and Public Record commissions of Warren County.
Survivors include her husband of almost 70 years, Thurman Leard Hitchcock; two daughters, Miriam Elaine (Cordell) Crawford and Margaret Suzanne (Gordon R.) Moore; two sons, Thurman Mark Hitchcock and Merrill Timothy (Billye) Hitchcock; 19 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Angel; and two brothers, Walter A. “Bud” (Jimmie) Grissom, Jr. and John Grissom. Several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends also survive.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Cordell Crawford will officiate. Interment will follow at Long Cemetery in Van Buren County. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the parlors of McMinnville Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com.
McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) May 20, 2015