Emma Jo Ballou

Emma Jo (Reel) Ballou was born on Jan. 20, 1937, in Chattanooga, Tenn. She was the last survivor of 10 children born to the union of Elzie and Louise Reel. She was a dedicated employee of Little Debbie for many years. On Tuesday, June 5, 2018, she made her transition into her heavenly home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Mother Ballou was a faithful and devoted member of Washington Hills United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elzie and Louise Reel; her beloved husband and friend, Hobert S. Ballou; and beloved son, Sanford Ballou. She leaves behind to cherish her memories three sons, Marshon (Phyllis) Ballou, Anthony (Cheri) Ballou, and Sanford Pritchett-Ballou; four daughters, Jacqueline (Victor) McPherson, Faye Ballou Goldston, Janice Pritchett-Ballou, Jan Pritchett-Ballou; two sisters-in-laws, Gwendolyn Dargan, and Ettra M. (Stanley) Mitchell; grandchildren, Steven, Jadrian, Appiffany and Shaneka; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Dae’Quan, Jaylin, Jada, Jaziyah, Montayo, Niataya, Jai’Anthony, Robert, JaiKairyion, Amiya, Terrill Jr., Aaliyah, Zariah; nieces, nephews other relatives and a host of friends; special cousin, Annie P. Sanders; a special and loved friend, Darlena Toney; her loving goddaughter, Deloris Black. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in the funeral home chapel. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery. The body will lie-in-state Monday, June 11, after noon at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995.