Emma F. Noble's Obituary
NOBLE, Emma F., age 87, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
With a deep faith in God, Emma has been a devoted member of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Waynesville for nearly 65 years. She was proud and trusting in her faith in God, often exemplified by being one of the devoted prayer warriors who are counted on when others need support.
Emma retired from Cincinnati Electronics after 25 years of service.
Family-oriented, loving, supportive, and caring, Emma was classy with both her personality and fashion sense. She loved shopping and was well-known for her style, particularly for her elegant outfits, matching shoes, color-coordinated purses, and accessories. She never went out in public without her hair up and in place. Described as a proper lady who always displayed some bling, her family marveled at the fact that she often wore her church dress while mowing the grass. Emma also loved flower gardening. The beauty of her flowers and flowering trees stood out to drivers passing by long before they reached the front of the house. She especially loved the vibrant Knockout rose bushes, which numbered well over 35, in her landscaping at one point. In addition, she was also fond of the beautiful Crepe Myrtle flowering trees. Combining her love of shopping and flowers, Emma often said, “You can’t plant flowers without shopping first!” Emma was also a master seamstress who greatly enjoyed sewing. Among many designs, she made several men’s and women’s suits, including matching suits for her husband and sons to wear during family gatherings and other special occasions. The fashion statement, colorful suits made of crushed velvet, which ultimately became a funny memory even within the extended family, was one that the guys agreed Emma created with love and pride, yet one they knew they had to learn to love. Her artistic personality extended to crafts, whereby she created flower arrangements, crocheted flowers, and other projects.
Emma and her family enjoyed several traditions that became fond family memories. For many years, the family got together in Gatlinburg yearly, often more than once each year. They usually rented chalets to reside in, but one year, in celebration of their wedding anniversary, they rented a castle. That particular year was celebrated not only with her immediate family but also with many of her extended family members. Each family chose a themed room for their stay, and they all celebrated Emma and James’ wedding anniversary in grand fashion. While the annual trips to the Smoky Mountains often resulted in her husband playing golf with the guys, Emma usually took the opportunity to enjoy the multiple shopping opportunities that the tourist destination is known for. The family also enjoyed the tradition of spending quality time together at their lake home located on the Cumberland River. In addition to boating on the river, the family enjoyed grilling out, riding ATVs, and playing the card game Rook. The fond tradition of family gathering at the lake house along the peaceful river often involved everyone gathering their guitars and singing songs together at night, which Emma always loved.
Emma will be remembered for many notable things. She collected several types of dolls, including porcelain dolls and Barbie dolls. She also had a collection of unique piggy banks. Emma loved politics, especially by watching Fox News and supporting Donald Trump. She was also fond of Jimmy Swaggart and enjoyed watching him speak whenever possible. At one point during her life, Emma displayed a bumper sticker of Star 93.3 FM on her car, which resulted in her winning a radio contest. Her prize was a trip for two to Alaska, which she enjoyed with her niece Paula and was one of Emma’s proudest memories throughout her life. Emma is one of three sisters from one family who married three brothers from another family, all of whom lived within two miles of each other and visited each other nearly every day. The families maintained a close relationship throughout their entire life together. In addition, the love that Emma and her husband shared was truly special. She traveled with James to his military deployments, and against all odds, James was allowed to bring his wife and young family along with him, especially after threatening to go AWOL if he couldn’t get the approval. In addition to the love she had for her family and all of the memories she enjoyed as a result of having such a strong family connection, Emma was most proud of the deep faith in serving the Lord and the encouragement of her family to do the same. Never failing to display her faith in God, she once took the time to go inside her home to pray before taking her son to the ER, who had just broken his arm, and ultimately resulted in him waiting outside.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 1996; her parents, Dow and Pauline Isaac; five sisters, Della Noble, Glenda Mullins, Fern Stallard, Reba Yonts, and an infant Stella Mae. She is survived by two sons, James “Mel” (Rebecca) Noble and Dow (Jackie) Noble; eight grandchildren, Josh (Rachel) Noble, James (Rachael) Noble, Joe (Shannon) Noble, Nicholas Noble, Cory (Wesley) Williams, Dustin Slusher, Danielle (Roderic) Long, and Destiny (Shane) Kaer; many great-grandchildren; one brother, Estill (Shirley) Isaac; two sisters, Alberta Noble and Rhobenia (Danny) Hurst; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and close friends.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to Noon on Tuesday, July 29, at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Waynesville. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at Noon on Tuesday, at the church with Tim Noble and Danny Hurst officiating. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park. If desired, contributions may be made to the Full Gospel Tabernacle. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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