Emma Sue Free Thurmond, age 75, of Rabun Gap, Ga. passed away on January 17, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born February 20, 1944 the daughter of the late Harvie D. and Susie Wilson Free.
In addition to her parents Emma Sue was preceded in death by one son, Matthew Thurmond; one Grandson Casey Thurmond.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Thurmond of Rabun Gap, Ga.; two sons, Charles Christopher (Marly) Thurmond of Rabun Gap, Ga.., Eric Clifford (Jennifer) Thurmond of Commerce, Ga.; three brothers, Terry (Deborah) Free of Toccoa, Ga., Tim (Ann) Free of Tiger, Ga., Tony (Lynn) Free of Tiger, Ga.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.
She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Wolffork Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Rabun County High School class of 1962 and attended trade school and studied Stenography. Both Emma Sue and Charles worked for the FBI in Washington, DC for two and a half years. Then Charles entered the Army and they lived in different locations as he was moved from different bases, until Charles was deployed to Vietnam. Emma Sue enjoyed taking care of children and family; she enjoyed traveling, fishing and was also a great cook. She was a member of Georgia Tribe Eastern Cherokee State Recognized, and was an officer in the DAV Chapter 15 Auxiliary. She was a member of the Native American Warrior Society Auxiliary and delivered food to needy families in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Emma Sue was very involved with her church for many years until her health kept her from participating.
Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. January 20, 2020 at Wolffork Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Barker officiating. Interment followed in the Wolffork Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers. the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 855 Abutment Road Suite 6, Dalton, Ga. 30721 or The Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309 in memory of Emma Sue Free Thurmond.
Beck Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.