Emma Jean King, of Jennings, FL. passed away on February 21, 2019 at Suwannee Valley Nursing Center in Jasper, FL. at the age of 81.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Paul King in February 2009, spending 46 years of marriage together. Emma was born in Alachua County on March 2, 1937 to the late Robert Hitchcock and Rebie Clyde Hitchcock. She married Arthur Paul in December of 1963. Emma worked for many years as the owner / operator of King's Food Store and eventually King's Grocery in Jennings, FL, alongside her husband Arthur Paul. She had many great accomplishments and recognitions over the years including Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce Board Member of the Year (1992-1993) and Town of Jennings Citizen of the Year (1997-1998). Shortly after opening the grocery store, it became the place to go to find out the happenings and gossip of the local community. Emma's (a.k.a. Nana) favorite time of the year was the entire family gathering at her house early on Christmas morning to have breakfast and exchange gifts. Every member of the family had their own stocking that displayed prominently throughout the holiday season wrapping around the entire living room. If she was not in the kitchen cooking, she could be found in her craft room making crafts and gifts for others. She had a true servant's heart, as much of her time and energy went towards caring for and helping others. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Panama City for seven years and adopted the local community as her own, becoming heavily involved with the Palo Alto Church of Christ. She then returned to Hamilton County for the past three years. Emma was amongst the original members of the Jasper Church of Christ where she attended faithfully until her final days.
Emma will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her over the years. She was indeed a great citizen, mother, grandmother and friend.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jimmy Livingston of Panama City; her son and daughter-in-law, Timmy and Pam King of Lake Park, GA.; her son and daughter-in-law, Robert "Mickey" and Dee King of Jennings; her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Shannon King of Statenville, Ga; thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Services were held on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Suwannee Valley Nursing Center in Jasper, FL: 427 15th Ave NW, Jasper, FL 32052

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