Emma Thaxton Ferguson

Emma Lena “Ena” Thaxton Ferguson, beloved wife of Larry Wayne Ferguson, died peacefully in Charleston, SC, on March 6, 2019.  Emma Lena was born on September 24, 1942, to Thomas Benjamin Thaxton, Sr. and Emma Frances Comer Thaxton, in McMinnville, TN.  She was born in the antebellum house, Oakham, where her parents were young caretakers of the home. Emma was a beautiful, kind, creative, intelligent woman, and loved by all.  Growing up in McMinnville, she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, a baton twirler, and a cheerleader.  In her first year at Tennessee Tech, Emma met her future husband, Larry. Emma went on to receive her undergraduate degree from East Carolina University, and obtained a Master’s in Education at Southern Mississippi University. Larry’s career with DuPont Corporation took them all over the United States, from Texas to North Carolina and Delaware among other places.  Emma taught elementary school and touched the lives of countless children along the way.  In retirement, Emma and Larry chose Anastasia Island, FL.  Emma continued her hobbies of painting and was quite skilled at needlework.  Thanks to her hours of gardening, her yard was a rainbow of colors, and she especially loved red bottlebrush plants.  Emma even loved her deer, who would linger in the edge of the marsh behind her house and gave birth to young fawns in the shade of her trees.  In 2018, the Fergusons moved to Charleston, SC.  (If desired, a note may be sent to: Larry Ferguson, c/o Mikell Thaxton, 2155 Durant Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405.) Mrs. Ferguson was predeceased by her parents, and her younger brother, G. Harris Thaxton, of Charleston, SC.  She is survived by her husband, Larry, of Charleston, SC; brother, Thomas B. Thaxton Jr (Dianna) of McMinnville, TN; sister, Juliette (James) of Manchester, TN; and a large family of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or a charity of one’s choice.  Graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019, in Bascom Cemetery, Morrison, TN with Tommy Vann to officiate.  High Funeral Home (101 College St, McMinnville, TN 37110) is responsible for arrangements.