of Batesville, AR
October 12, 1925 - May 5, 2025
Emma Lou (Jones) Hedden, age 99, of Batesville passed away May 5, 2025. She was born in Batesville on October 12, 1925, the daughter of Arch and Cecil (McMillan) Jones. Emma Lou lived in West Batesville all of her life. She was a 1943 graduate of Batesville High School and a 1947 graduate of Arkansas College. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Hedden, in 1949 and they had been married almost 69 years at the time of his death in 2018. She was proud of their 3 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
After college, Emma Lou kept the books for her father's construction company, then worked at the telephone company in the early 50's. She became a fulltime homemaker when her first son was born until her youngest started to school. Deciding to start a new career in the mid-60's, she took courses at Arkansas College and obtained her teaching certificate. Emma Lou substitute taught for several years before teaching math fulltime at BJHS until her retirement.
In her retirement years, Emma Lou volunteered many hours. She volunteered at Help & Hope for over 25 years, worked with the WRMC Auxiliary, visited shut-ins, and cared for many people. She was in her element if she was helping another person (and almost always behind the scenes). She also loved to watch the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Emma Lou was a faithful and life-long member of Central Avenue United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities. Over the years, she taught Sunday School, chaperoned youth trips, worked in the church women's group, helped with the after-school program, and helped in the church office. She helped with Vacation Bible School for over 80 years. The church was very important in the life of her family from her childhood, throughout her days raising her family, and into her golden years.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Hedden; two brothers, Ernest and Gregory Jones, one sister, Mary Lee McCown, and a niece, Suzanne Jones Ortt.
Survivors include sons Sparky Hedden (Cindy) of Sheridan, Benny Hedden (Jean) of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Terry Hedden (Vicki) of Fayetteville; grandchildren Mandy Hedden Deckard (Justin) of Little Rock, Nathan Hedden (Auburn) of Del Rio, TX, Casey Hedden (Kathryn) of Sheridan, and Kayla Hedden Wagner (Chris) of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren Levi Hedden, Makia Hedden, Emily Hedden, Emma Wagner, Henry Hedden, Clara Wagner, Teagan Wagner, Hattie Deckard, and Wilson Deckard; brother-in-law Bobby Hedden of Cape Girardeau Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Central Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Roller Crouch Funeral Home on Friday, May 9 from 5 - 7 pm.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Hedden, Casey Hedden, Justin Deckard, Chris Wagner, Archie Jones, Michael Jones, Scott Hedden, Coleman Hedden, and Eric Hogan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 1205 N. Central Ave., Batesville, AR 72501.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707934161.
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19 Condolence(s)
Mariesa Hampton Bolin
Saturday, May 10, 2025
I have many fond memories with this sweet lady who taught my 7th grade Algebra class and helped sponsor the first BJHS Stepper group. She was a bike ride away on Westside and welcomed neighborhood kids who loved to visit her. Sincere condolences to her family.
Susan Nelms
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Mrs. Hedden was one of my favorite teachers I school. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.
Janice Hogan
Friday, May 9, 2025
It was a beautiful blessing to know Emma Lou for many years. She was a great friend to my Mother.
I will miss seeing Emma setting up front in Church on Sunday mornings.
Prayers for Sparky, Benny, Terry and all the Family. I loved your Mother very much.
Happy Mother's Day in Heaven Emma Lou, RIP.
VICKIE HARMON
Friday, May 9, 2025
It was a blessing to me to know and love Emmie all these years. She was a kind and loving lady. Praying for her family and everyone that loved her. She will be greatly missed, She lived a long and wonderful life taking care of the ones she loved.
Jim and Karen Beatty
Friday, May 9, 2025
Our condolences to the Hedden family. We know she was much loved and will be missed greatly.
Jenny Loos
Friday, May 9, 2025
A wonderful woman. She was good friends with my mother and was a friend when my mom fell ill. Loved her humor, her attitude toward life and her empathy. She will always be loved and she will never be forgotten.
Joella (McMillan) Huddleston
Thursday, May 8, 2025
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral but my love & prayers is with all the family. God bless each of you. Joella
Clyde and Margie Paulk
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Our prayers for the family.
Brenda K Terral
Thursday, May 8, 2025
I am sorry to hear about Emmy. I have many fond memories of her when visiting her with Martha. She tried to keep us on the straight and narrow when we were teenagers. I can still see her face when we did something she didn't think we should do. Praying for you all during this time.
Lucy Rayford
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a nice person. ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Valerie Jones-Gay
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Hedden lived a very full and meaningful life. She was a wonderful Christian wife, mother, grandmother and a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Buddy and Missy Carlile
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Sparky, Benny and Terry,
We are so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a blessing to all who knew her! So devoted to her family and her church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Love
Buddy and Missy
Sheridan Phillips
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
It was enjoy to get to know and care for Emma lou when I did so sorry for ur loss my prayers are with y'all and your family and friends at this time
Tony Perrin
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Sparky, so sorry for your families sad loss.
Sandy Moore Chastain
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
To the Hedden Family
Mrs. Hedden was a jewel.
One of my favorite teachers from BJHS.
Peace and love to her three fine sons and their families ðŸ'
Karen (Pierce) Clary
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. Mrs. Hedden was such a wonder teacher and person. She truly cared about her students and community.
Jennings and Kim Copley
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
To Terry and Vicki, so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Reading about her filled life we felt like we knew her. Keeping books for her father's business, the phone company, teaching and a stay at home mother was truly amazing. Prayer and love at this time.
Oscar Jones
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Great lady. Bless her for trying to teach me Algebra in Junior High. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. She will surely be missed.
Betty Burge Cockrill
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Hedden. My thoughts and prayers are with each of your families.