Barbara Emerton

Barbara Jean Emerton, age 78, of Sweetwater, TN, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on December 15, 1946, in Nashville, TN, to her parents, Henry and Kathleen Taylor. She spent her early years in and around Nashville and was a longtime resident of Madisonville, TN. Later in life, she moved to Sweetwater to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Barbara had a true passion for cooking and loved nothing more than gathering family and friends around the table. Her home was always open, and she cherished every opportunity to host and care for those she loved.

Throughout her life, Barbara worked hard, spending many years at Walmart and later as a housekeeper at a nursing home in Madisonville, where she touched many lives with her kind heart and strong work ethic.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her longtime companion, Roy Franklin Plemons; and children, Rhonda Presley, Roy Franklin Plemons II, Steven Plemons.

Barbara is survived by her loving children: Charlotte (Richard) Derrick and Joseph "Scottie" Emerton, Betty Wallace, Dottie Spurgeon, Kathy Grimes, Teresa Renfrey, and David Plemons; brothers Don Taylor (Mariann) and David Taylor (Lucy); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Brenda Mashburn, Sweetwater Hospital-especially Dr. Christopher Shamblin-and the staff at Woods Presbyterian Nursing Home for their care and compassion.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.,at Companion Funeral Home in Athens, TN located at 400 S. White Street, Athens, TN 37303. A service will follow at 2:00 p.m., led by Bishop Roger Fairman. Burial will follow at Watt's Cemetery in Loudon, TN located at 2669 Watts Cemetery Rd, Loudon, TN 37774.

Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, her hospitality, and her unwavering love for family. She will be deeply missed.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Barbara and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Athens, TN, and the Cody family are honored to assist her family with these arrangements.