Mrs. Emma Julia Neese Temple, lifelong resident of Hart County, died on Wednesday, October 3 at her home in Hartwell. She was 92.
Born to William Henry and Jettie Adeline Cordell Neese on June 2, 1920, she was raised in the Sardis community of Hart County and attended Hartwell High School, graduating in 1937. In 1940, she married John Roland Temple from Hartwell, a marriage that would last 48 years until his death in 1988.
She was a devoted homemaker and member of the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, where she participated in the Ruth Sunday School class and the Women's Missionary Union. At home, she was a talented seamstress and cook, nurturing her family in the Faith and encouraging them to succeed in all of their endeavors. Her unwavering support was instrumental in the training of her children and grandchildren on the piano and in pursuit of higher education, which resulted in many of their careers as teachers and church pianists and organists, effects still felt in multiple places across Georgia, but especially in Hartwell, McRae, and Commerce.
It was this unconditional love and support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for which her family is most thankful. Her devotion to faith and family set a powerful example for them as to how a grateful life full of joy should be lived, in spite of the hardships of life. These qualities were cherished by those who predeceased her, who, in addition to her parents and her husband, include her eldest child and daughter Cue Temple Herndon, formerly of McRae, GA, who died in 2007, and remains ever present with those who survive her, including her son and devoted caregiver, Jarvis Temple of Hartwell; two daughters and their husbands, Julia and Johnny Mansfield of Hartwell, and Johnnie and Charles Blair of Commerce; and son-in-law, Robert Herndon of McRae. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Merry Herndon Tanner (Greg), Savannah; Bradley Herndon ( BJ ), McRae; Rev. Eric Mansfield (Jennifer), Dothan, AL; Jared Mansfield (Beverly), Commerce; Camille Blair and Win Blair, both of Athens; and seven great-grandchildren: Caleb, Colby, and Carson Tanner; Cooper, Madelyn, and Brooklyn Mansfield; and Emma Julia Mansfield; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will take place Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Hartwell First Baptist Church with Rev. Eric Mansfield and Dr. Logan Smith officiating.Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.The body will be placed in the church at 10:30am.
The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday night.The family is at the home. The family request memorials can be made to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, PO Box 329, Palmetto GA30268 in memory of Mrs. Temple.