Emma Lou Elkins Vincent, 80, of Decatur in McMinn County, died Saturday, July 12, 2008, at Brookewood Nursing Home in Decatur.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Arthur and Margaret Rose Dalton Elkins, and was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Vincent, on April 7, 2000; one granddaughter, Jamie Benton; one great-grandson, Ben Vincent; two brothers, the Rev. Haverd Elkins and Forrest Elkins; and three sisters, Ora Jackson, Dollie Bright and Margie Jackson. She was a member of Clear Springs Baptist Church, and was an avid quilter and gardener. She was a former employee of Athens Hosiery Mill.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Evelyn and James W. Benton of Athens, and Shirley and Earl Wright of Decatur; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Arnold Vincent and Owen and Patsy Vincent, all of Athens; two sisters, Rosalee Hennessee and Mary Hope, both of Athens; four grandchildren, Tracy Vincent, Blake Vincent, Doug Benton and Tiffany Wright Malone; four great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Becca Vincent, J.P. Vincent and Lee Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday at Clear Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Dink Harris and the Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating. The body was in-state from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial followed in Idlewild Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Herschel Elkins, Tony Jackson, T.R. Vincent, Bruce Vincent, Larry Hope and Calvin Bright.

The family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com