Memorial Trees
L
Lydia and Dan Seibert
April 27, 2026
D
Dan and Lydia (Matthews) Seibert
April 25, 2026
B
Beth Evans Walters and Family
April 25, 2026
L
Love, Linda & Rod Manfull
April 25, 2026
M
Mary (Wilson) Mayes
April 24, 2026
Memorial trees planted for:
Bette Jean Emmett
<p>Bette Jean (Ridings) Emmett, age 92, of Middlesboro, KY passed away peacefully in the early hours of</p><p>Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She was born January 6, 1934 in Middlesboro, the daughter of the late George Edward Ridings, Sr, and Opal Lee (Gray) Ridings.</p><p><br></p><p>Bette was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Middlesboro and was active in service to her church for many years. She was also a member of the Jaycettes and Junior Woman’s Club; volunteered as room mother for all of her children’s classrooms; and attended every sporting event, performance, and activity that her children participated in. She devoted almost 50 years to the City of Middlesboro as Executive Secretary to multiple mayors, where her dedication, discretion, and steady leadership made a lasting impact on her community. Bette married the love of her life, Donald Richard Emmett, Sr., on April 25, 1954, and was preparing to celebrate their 72nd anniversary on Saturday.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Bette is survived by her loving husband, Donald Emmett, Sr.; siblings: George Ed (Judy) Ridings, Jr, and Cheryl (James) Browning; her sister-in-law, Judy Emmett Bishop; her children: Rick (Alta) Emmett, Steve (Kim) Emmett, Gina (Keith) Jefferies, and Jill (Sim) Blake; her grandchildren: Natalie (Chuck) Barnett, Ryan Emmett, Hayley (Travis) Chesney, Chris Emmett, Spencer (Wineshka) Jefferies, Jessica Blake (fiancé TJ Slaten), Meredith (Cade) Cooley, and Austin Blake (fiancée Emily Eldridge); great-grandsons: Wenyaniel and Lucien Jefferies, Baby Boy Cooley due in September and a host of nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Traci and Kevin Barnett, Tina and David Mike, and the many others whose kindness, friendship, love, and support meant the world to her.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be 3:30 p.m. at Green Hills Memorial Gardens with Rev. Bill Daniels officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Middlesboro, KY or RoHo Club Charitable Trust.</p><p><br></p><p>Shumate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bette Jean Emmett and is entrusted with all arrangements.</p><p>Online Guestbook and Candle Lighting are available at http://www.shumatefuneralhome.com</p>January 6, 1934 - April 22, 202601/06/193404/22/2026
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