Bertha Mae Emmett

Bertha Mae Emmett joined her husband of 59 years Clarence H. Emmett in eternal rest on April 7, 2013. Bertha passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes.

A native of Hall County, Mrs. Emmett was the sixth of seven children born to George and Vienne Tarpley of Brookton. After completing River Bend High School in 1937 Bertha was employed by the Hosiery Mill and in April 1940 married Clarence H. Emmett of Gainesville. During World War 2 while at the Hosiery Mill Bertha helped produce parachutes for the war effort until Clarence entered the United States Army in 1943. With Clarence assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations, Bertha became a stay at home mother until Clarence returned safely home at war's end. In marriage Bertha and Clarence were lifelong partners both in business and life until Clarence's death on April 8, 1999. Over a span of 35 years Bertha and Clarence owned and operated several successful businesses in the Gainesville area to include: Emmett Furniture Company on Main Street, The Dairy Dip on Cleveland Road and Clearview Farms in Clermont. From 1962 until 1967, Bertha in addition to her other duties as wife, mother and business partner drove the Hall County book mobile. This work brought Bertha great satisfaction as she helped bring books and knowledge to those in rural areas without access to a library. After leaving her job at Hall County Library, Bertha assumed the role as full time manager of the Dairy Dip until she and Clarence sold the business in the early 1980s. Faith always played an important role in Bertha's life. Over her lifetime Bertha was an active member of several local area churches to include: Dewberry, Riverbend and the First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Bertha was the loving matriarch of her family. That family and all who had the privilege of knowing her will sorely miss Bertha and the joy she brought to so many.

Bertha is survived by three sons and their spouses: Clarence H. (Carolyn) Emmett Jr. of Clarksville, Michael (Sandra) Emmett of Cumming and Dan (Donnelle) Emmett of Auburn, Alabama; six grandchildren: Melissa, (Doctor William) Woodard of Charleston, SC, Betsy (Kyle) Cantrell of Gainesville, William (Kelly) Emmett of Marietta, Courtney Emmett of Florence, Alabama, Jennifer Emmett of Carrolton and Anthony Emmett of Auburn, Alabama as well as two great grandchildren: Reed Woodard and Jane Cantrell. Two sisters also survive Bertha: Rosetta Dyer of Gainesville and Bonnie Faulkner of Atlanta and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Bruce Fields will officiate. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 5