Emma Armachain Walkingstick, 95, of the Big Cove Community went to her eternal home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014. Emma is the daughter of the late Louis Armachain and Dora Hornbuckle Armachain and the wife of the late Rev. Johnny Walkingstick.
Emma is preceded in death by her brothers, William “Bill” Armachain, Calvin Armachain and Wayne Armachain; sisters, Gladys Armachain, Ruth Caro and Jean Sill; one grandson, Daniel “Pickle” Walkingstick; her cat, Tinkerbell and dog, Wooly.
Emma was a foster grandparent for 22 years at Age Link Child Care. She also worked for 15 years at the Sylco Plant in Sylva. Emma was the very first Senior Ms. Cherokee in 1997.
Emma is survived by her children, John Ed Walkingstick and wife Iva, Emily West, Daniel Walkingstick all of Cherokee and Belle Dunn and husband Mike of Everett, WA; 13 grandchildren, Norma Craig, Donna Welch, Kelli Walkingstick, Leilani George, Frank Dunn, Michael Dunn, William Walkingstick, Adam Walkingstick, Carla Walkingstick, Shane Walkingstick, Nicky-Jack Walkingstick and Onjequay Walkingstick; 13 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Joy Smith and husband John Wilbur of Cherokee; special daughter, Velma Taylor; and two roosters, Henry and Betty.
Emma was taken to Straightfork Baptist Church on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and remained at the church to await the hour of service on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 11am. Burial (Resurrection Ground) followed at Armachain Family Cemetery. Pall Bearers included: Jaikab Craig, Bo Craig, Jack Wachacha, Frank Dunn, William Walkingstick and James Welch. Services were conducted by Bro. Charles Ray Ball, Bro. Dan Conseen, Bro. Eddie Sherrill, Bro. George Welch and Bro. Greg Morgan.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.