Fay Jean Emmons Stallworth, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend, peacefully transitioned from this life on July 26, 2025, at Donalson Care Center, at the age of 82. She was born in Fayetteville, TN, on December 2, 1942, to the late Myrtle Emmons Cathey (John L.) and Charles Emmons, Sr.

After completing high school courses at West End High School, she pursued studies in Business at J.F. Drake Technical College in Huntsville, AL, furthering her talents for organizational leadership. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling career in various administrative roles, where she was admired for her professionalism, poise, and strong work ethic.

Fay confessed her love for Christ at an early age and was among the founding members of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. Robert Bailey baptized her. Her faith was unwavering, and she remained a dedicated member, serving with grace and humility until she relocated to Michigan. Since her returning to Fayetteville, she has been a dedicated member at Next Level Christian Church in Fayetteville, TN.

Later in life, she married the late Sam Stallworth and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter and love in Albion, Michigan. She spent many years of her life there establishing herself as a pillar in the community before returning to her hometown, Fayetteville, TN. She enjoyed activities like entertaining, bowling with a league, playing card games, dancing, listening to music and sharing joy filled moments with her family and friends. She was known for her polished and poised fashion with her perfectly manicured nails often capturing the spotlight.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents: John L. and Myrtle Cathey, Charles Emmons, Sr.; her late husband: Sam Stallworth; her children: Beverly Jo Kelso Robinson, Kenny Kelso and David Stallworth, Sr.; and her siblings: Mae Margaret Emmons Boggs, William Norris Emmons and Charles Emmons, Jr.

She leaves to cherish the memory her daughter: Charlene Stallworth; grandchildren: Ray Allen Pitts (Laurie), Tori Gonzales, Patrick Robinson, Kendra Francis, Bevia Robinson, Trinity Kelso, SaKesha Stallworth, Jessica Stallworth, China Stallworth and David Stallworth, Jr.; Fay’s legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren: Corieana Ridley, Brandon Pitts, Zian Cross, Braelynn Thomas, Roesha Stallworth, Anthony Stallworth, Dahjiona Stallworth, Daylion Stallworth, Dataylion Stallworth, Ajané Stallworth, Kanijah Stallworth; and her last loving and devoted sister: Brenda Cathey Hurd. She also leaves her memory to her twelve cherished nieces and nephews, a host of great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins; special friends including Willie Cheatum, Dot Daniel, Judy Wiley, Deborah Smith, Linda Edmiston, Farley Edmiston, Patty Walker, Dorothy Mae Thomas and Corinthia Cook; and many lifelong friends and loved ones who were blessed by her kindness and presence.

Her legacy of elegance, joy, and love will continue to live on in our hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.

Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Fay Jean Emmons Stallworth.