Emma Benford

Emma Jean Benford, 72, of Chattanooga, departed this earthly life to eternal life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at her residence. She was born October 20, 1953, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Juliette Freeman and Sam Benford. Emma was educated in the Chattanooga Public School System. She was formerly employed by Life Care of Chattanooga. Emma was a woman of faith, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She accepted the Lord as her Savior and was a dedicated member of Miracle Missionary Baptist Church. She was a true prayer warrior. Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Juliette Freeman and Sam Benford; stepfather, Walter L. Freeman; brothers, Harold, Melvin, Michael, and David Benford, Victor Freeman, and Guy Wilkerson; sister, Olivia Benford; grandson, Juan Boyd; granddaughter, Autumn Pittman; uncles, Robert Branch and Clarried Smith; aunts, Lottie Oliver and Ruby Lena Word; nephews, Carlos Benford, Dennis Freeman, and Alex Freeman. She leaves to honor and cherish her memories, her loving daughter whom was also her primary caregiver, Juliette Benford; two sons, Darrell and Everett Hicks; grandchildren, Jacquetta and Jacquanya Love, Kemonti (Tomeshia) McDowell, Jerrica Ball, Denaira, Ladarius, Evette, Everett, Jr., Jade, Sabrina, and Ke’everious Hicks, Chandria Ballard, Jamar Hayes, Byron Walton, Devontae Norris, Darrell Trammell, Evan, Emari, and Emoni Pittman; a host of great-grandchildren; six brothers, Nathan (Rena) Benford, Norman Freeman, Ronnie (Zundra) Readus, Walter (Hilda) Lindsey, Terrance Jones, all of Chattanooga, and Gregory (Gwendolyn) Pittman of California; four sisters, Lois Martin, Betty Freeman, both of Chattanooga, Sandra Benford of Georgia, and Sheila Whitlock of California; aunt, Norma Hughley of Chattanooga; two sisters-in-law, Ivalene Benford and Melissa Freeman, both of Chattanooga; special friends, Rodney Southers and Charles Ballard; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Emma will lie-in-state on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.

Emma Benford

October 20, 1953 - June 13, 2026