Emma Lou Dunn

Emma Lou Dunn September 24, 1927 � January 3, 2019 Emma Lou was born on September 24, 1927 and returned home to heaven January 3, 2019. She was born in Danville Kentucky to Hector and Elizabeth Roy as the youngest of two children. As a little girl, Emma spent many hours in the grocery store owned by her parents; she was even caught sleeping on the bread racks on more than one occasion. At the age of three, while socializing with the customers, one of the butchers nicknamed her "Flirt" and that name remained with her, especially with her family and friends in Kentucky. As a teenager, she caught the attention of a young man named Gene who lived on her street. On October 12, 1946, after his tenure in the U.S. Navy, Emma married Gene Dunn. In 1948 they welcomed their first son Gary, and in 1959 their second son Alan. After Alan's birth they moved to Athens Georgia and then on to Visalia, California for Gene's job. It was in Visalia they made their home. They joined Woodland Drive Baptist Church at the time of inception and became active and passionate members. Emma spent countless hours serving her church and her God and it was through this service she connected with many special families that became lifelong friends. Emma's greatest joy was time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-children. A homemaker her entire life she perfected the art of southern cooking and enjoyed sharing meal time and sweet tea with those she loved. She will be remembered as a sun-bathing, sports-loving, University of Kentucky basketball fanatic who spent thousands of hours watching her grandkids play "kitchen, house and restaurant" using every kitchen ingredient and dish known to man. She is preceded in death by Gene, her husband of 70 years; her parents Hector and Elizabeth Roy; and her brother J.E Roy. She is survived by her sons Gary (Susan) and Alan (Charlotte), her grandchildren Shane Dunn (Rachel), Brandi Jackson (Ray), Shannon Cauthen (Jared) and Kyle Dunn (Hannah), and nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother and sister-in-law Sam and Nunie Rayborn in Somerset Kentucky in addition to nieces, nephews and their families throughout the Eastern States. Services will be held on Thursday, January 10th at 10:00 am at the Messenger's Church (formally Woodland Drive Baptist Church) located at 1436 S. Woodland Street in Visalia. Burial will follow at Visalia District Cemetery.

Emma Lou Dunn

September 24, 1927 - January 3, 2019