Emily Kicklighter

Emily Stone Kicklighter, 88 passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2012. She was born on February 25, 1924 to John and Delia Stone, one of the three beautiful, strong and independent-minded Stone sisters. Emily was raised in Madison County, Georgia and graduated from what is now the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. She married Cyril Kicklighter and settled in Glennville. Although that marriage did not last, Emily remained an integral and beloved member of the Kicklighter family.

Emily became the first Director of Public Housing in Glennville. The administrative offices of the agency are marked by a beautiful bronze plaque that names Emily S Kicklighter as the director and Harry S. Truman as the President of the United States. For over 50 years, Emily directed the Public Housing Authority with integrity, strength and with love and compassion for the many who benefited from her guidance and leadership. She kept an eagle-eye on expenses and exhibited a strong sense of fairness to all. Never able to have children of her own, she regarded the small children who were being raised in "her" apartments as her children and worked to build them a community center and to urge each and every one to excel in school. Emily's professional accomplishments were recognized within the regional housing authority as was her sense of fashion. "Miss Emily" had to build a special closet to hold her collection of over 152 pairs of shoes, mostly high heels and she thoroughly enjoyed dressing up for special occasions.

Emily is survived by her beloved companion of many, many years �½�½" Ben Payton Williams and his daughter, Renae Williams McConnell (Gene) who Emily truly loved as a daughter and son-in-law. Miss Emily was a dear grandmother (Gran Em) to Brittany Juarez, Gabrielle Fannin and Mackenzie McConnell. Most importantly, she was the great grandmother to Haley, Kayla, Carlos and Addison Juarez and to Payton Faith and Elizabeth Grace Fannin. She was dearly loved by all and always took the time to listen to their many adventures and award them with the best fried chicken in the whole world. Emily was part of the heart and soul of the Williams and McConnell families.

Emily is also survived by her sister, Georgia S. Davidson and her husband, Harold, of Charlottesville, Virginia. She was predeceased by her sister, Sybil, and brother-in-law Marvin Cooper. Her surviving nieces and nephews are John Cooper (Marjorie), George Cooper (Judy), Gay Cooper Buddenhagen (Karl), Lee Wilder and Scott Davidson (Lesly). All of the nieces and nephews and their children were honored to grow up with "Miss Emily" as a treasured aunt who would happily buy them a forbidden treat, would take a special interest in a folly of youth and who always demonstrated unconditional love. Emily Christopher, daughter of George Cooper, honors the family and Miss Emily as a namesake.

Emily was a dear friend to many in Southeast Georgia. She enjoyed good conversation, a glass of wine and a little bit of dancing in her famous high heels. She was always helping others. After her retirement, she made a practice of dressing up in her finest to visit residents in a nearby nursing home. As she said, " I make them happy by dressing up." Over the years she worked long hours with Ben in the vineyard and accompanied him to the farmer's markets, sharing a kind word with everyone.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home in Glennville. A private family interment at Bethany Baptist Church in Madison, Georgia will follow at a later date. Donations in Emily's memory may be made to the Bethany Foundation, 345 South Walnut St., Statesboro, Georgia 30458. The family wishes to thank the staff of Bethany Nursing Center of Vidalia for their extraordinary love and kindness shown to Emily in her last days.