Emogene Gill

Emogene Gill was born in Sontag, MS to Leonard Dykes and Maggie Boutwell Dykes. She was a member of First Apostolic Church Maryville. Surrounded by her loving family, Emogene passed away peacefully on Monday, August 19, 2024. She was a devoted mother and loving Nanny who will be deeply missed.

Preceded in death by her husband Percy (Sonny) Gill; parents, Leonard Dykes and Maggie Boutwell Dykes; sisters, Lenora Mullins and Jewlean Dykes Hemphill; brothers, Thomas Mohon and William Mohon.

Survived by son, Ben Penton, and daughter in-law, Jeanna Penton; two grandchildren: Aaron Penton (wife Celia), Austin Penton (wife Courtney); five great grandchildren: Baylor Penton, Burklee Penton, Barrett Penton, Alexis Penton, Zion Penton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Emogene had a special love for sunflowers. Just as the flower turned its face to the sun, she turned hers towards life with joy and warmth. Her beauty was a natural bloom, and her smile, a radiant light that could brighten any day. Standing tall against life's storms, she was a symbol of unwavering strength and resilience, much like her beloved flower reaching for the sky. Emogene was a meticulous and organized person. She used her financial skills as a bookkeeper for Cream Magazine, and later applied her talents to managing the administrative and financial aspects of a pediatric practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Though her earthly bloom has faded, she is shining brighter than ever reflecting the glory of her heavenly Father.

Pallbearers: Aaron Penton, Austin Penton, Andrew Hannah, Aaron Lay, and Austin Lay. Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the service following at 7:00 p.m. at First Apostolic Church of Maryville, located at 1331 William Blount Drive, Maryville, TN 37801. Family and friends will assemble for the interment at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Grandview Cemetery, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN, 37803. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com