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Emma F. Patterson, 96, widow of Hazel Cornell Patterson, formerly of Prospect, passed away peacefully March 30, 2020 at Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with dementia.

Born Lottie Emma Franklin, October 31, 1923, in Appomattox County, a daughter of the late William Harrison and Virginia Ellen Franklin. Emma spent her childhood on a farm in Prince Edward County, later moving back to Appomattox County. She was employed by the Appomattox Garment Company for 32 years. After retirement she returned to Prospect and was a member of Prospect United Methodist Church. Emma enjoyed singing in the choir, reading, and enjoying all the pleasures of living on a farm again. She loved country music, gospel music and could play the guitar, piano, and mandolin. Emma had a great singing voice, and her smile and jolly laugh brought smiles to everyone. One of the joys of returning to Prospect, she was able to be near her twin sister, Louise F. Goin.

She is survived by two daughters, Jackie M. Hodge of Evergreen, and Janet H. Keith and husband, Stan of Madison Heights; one granddaughter, Kathy Keith Randolph of Garner, NC, 11 great-grandchildren, Boyd Randolph and Lacey of New Bern, NC, Andrew Randolph and Sandy of Raleigh, NC, Hayley Randolph, Joseph Randolph, Josiah Randolph, Elizabeth Randolph, Jamie Randolph, Hannah Randolph, Elijah Randolph, Eliana Randolph and Joshua Randolph all of Garner, NC; five great-great-grandchildren, Rachel Randolph, Rebekah Randolph, Ethan Eubanks, Brady Sutton and Matthew Spence of New Bern, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Robert, Otis, Jesse, Lloyd, Aubrey, Marvin, Melvin, Calvin and Ed Franklin; and sisters, Margie Franklin, Thelma Franklin, and her twin sister, Louise Goin; and a baby girl Franklin, who lived only for a few days after birth. She suffered the emotional loss of her mother a few days after the birth of the baby girl. Emma was only nine years old at the time. She often expressed the importance of never taking your mother for granted because of the heartache and loss she felt at the death of her mother.

A private graveside service will be held at Prospect United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mike Harris officiating.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center for the care they provided our mother since 2014. Also a special thanks to the Hospice team that provided care and comfort during her final days.

Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visitingwww.robinsonfuneral.com