Emma Jean Landrum Layl died peacefully July 12, 2019, in Dallas, Texas after a lifetime of faithful love and service to her family, church, and community. A funeral service honoring her life will be held Sunday, July 21, at 2:30 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Piggott, Arkansas. Prior to the funeral service, a visitation will be held at 1:15 p.m., in the sanctuary of the church. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." Psalm 116:15 Born August 20, 1924 in Paragould, AR. to Ima Jean Cashon Landrum and Charles Vincent Landrum, Emma Jean was the second of five children, and the only girl. Known affectionately as "Sis" to her brothers, and "Auntie Sis" to her beloved nieces and nephews, Emma Jean was a tomboy by default, making her a very popular sports team member and a highly sought-after golf partner. Emma Jean grew up in Paragould, where she graduated from high school in 1942. She moved to Washington, D.C., to become a full-time secretary, which was her first time to travel outside the state. She described it as the grand adventure of her young life and loved every minute. A friend and co-worker at the Walnut Ridge Air Base, introduced Emma Jean to Captain Billy Bob Layl, a USAF pilot. They were married August 11, 1946, nine days prior to her twenty-second birthday. They welcomed their first child, Charlotte Jean, in October 1947 and their second daughter, Suzanne, born August 1952, entered Heaven immediately upon her birth. In search of a community to establish his optometry practice, Dr. B.B. Layl and his young family visited the small town of Piggott on July 4, 1951. What a great day to see the community. The big Independence Day celebration, the parade with young families and children lining the streets, along with the friendly people, Emma Jean, Bob, and Charlotte knew they were home and quickly became a beloved family in Piggott. Dr. B.B. Layl established his optometry practice in the Clay county seat that year. The family became active members of the First Methodist Church and Emma Jean's love of music soon became her ministry. Her talent and commitment to excellence were her offerings to the Lord. She assumed the directorship of the chancel choir, serving for 43 joyful years. Emma Jean directed, produced, and staged every Christmas and Easter cantata performed during her tenure. She consistently introduced beautifully crafted musical programs and worship services and implemented the Christmas Lessons and Carols. It was undoubtedly Emma Jean's life-long example, along with her consistent, unwavering encouragement, that influenced her daughter, Charlotte, to pursue a music education degree at Southern Methodist University. Her love of beautiful music is a heritage she has given her daughter, grandsons and great-granddaughters. While employed with the Draft Board for the Civil Service division of the US government, Emma Jean also served the church family as the Woman's Society of Christian Service President, and as a member of the church Official Board. Emma Jean served throughout the state as a volunteer and leader in the Arkansas hospital auxiliary. She became a docent for the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center in Piggott. Love and laughter abounded in the Layl home. Emma Jean found great enjoyment in gardening, playing bridge, and GOLF. She loved golf! She especially loved playing with her grandsons, Derick and David Ball, who visited many summers and learned to play the Sugar Creek course from their Grand mom. These grandsons were the apple of her eye and they loved driving her golf cart, the riding lawn mower, and Dado's exam chair. She especially loved flowers! Emma Jean and her dear friend and neighbor, Alice Gregory, spent countless hours digging iris bulbs, planting daffodils, hovering over their tender azaleas, pruning, clipping and manicuring their lovely yards. She loved the Hoe n 'Grow Garden Club and regularly won first place and sweepstakes ribbons in their annual flower shows. Emma Jean and her dear friend Dorothy Dehls, bought The Treasure Chest, a gift shop located on the square in Piggott. Their store sold unique and beautiful high-end items that brought buyers and brides from all around the state. Survived by her daughter, Charlotte Layl Ball, and husband, Charles Frederick (Fred) Ball Jr; grandsons, Charles Frederick "Derick" Ball III, and David Layl Ball and wife Barrett; two great-granddaughters, Hannah Havens Ball and Emma Ruth Ball, all of Dallas; one brother, Robert Eric Landrum and wife, Dorothy of Hot Springs, AR.; and sister in law, Jean Landrum, of Germantown, TN.; nine nephews and five nieces, their spouses and children. Preceded her in death are her husband, Dr. B.B. Layl (1991) and infant daughter, Suzanne (1952); her parents, Ima Jean and Charles Vincent Landrum; brothers, Charles Frederick Landrum, Bill Landrum, and Joseph Landrum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to First United Methodist Church, 188 North 3rd Street, Piggott, AR. 72454, in memory of Emma Jean Layl.