Martha Emogene (Emma) Rector

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Martha Emogene (Emma) Rector, of Kingsport, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 75, after a brief battle with cancer. She was deeply loved by all who were blessed to know her.

She was born on March 24, 1949, to her late parents, Rev. Leland and Carrie Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James. L. (Butch) Rector.

Emma was a longtime member of Community United Methodist Church and recently attended Holly Springs United Methodist Church. Emma retired from Colonial Heights Baptist Childcare after caring for children for 38 years.

She loved her children and grandchildren more than life itself. Her gentle, nurturing, unconditional love will be passed on by her family for generations to come. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Crystal Champ (John) and Brian Rector (Meg); grandchildren, Acacia Shaffer (Caleb), Bryson Rector, Emily Champ, Alexis Champ, and Saylor Rector; step-grandchildren, Hannah Cooper (Justin), Luke Champ, and Axl Dykes; great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Brooklyn, Sawyer, and Lyla; brothers, Paul Smith, Kyle Smith (Jackie), Harold Smith (Faye), and Larry Smith (Connie); and sisters-in-law, Sue Parrish and Judy Snodgrass (Rick). Emma also leaves behind several nieces and nephews; special friend, Bill Potter; lifelong best friend, Darlene Frazier; and many other special friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow with Pastor Randy Shupe and Pastor Greg Lindsey officiating. Music will be provided by Logan Harris and The Sluss Family.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Brian Rector, John Champ, Bryson Rector, Brad Dommel, Luke Champ, and Caleb Shaffer.

The family would like to thank Jennifer Pruitt, Milika Richardson, and a host of friends and family who cared for, visited, encouraged, and loved Emma during her illness.