Emma Lou Hobbs passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was born on November 10, 1932, in Ash Hill, Missouri, to James and Myrtle Townsend.

Emma grew up and attended school in Fisk, Missouri. On June 15, 1950, she married Glendell William “Friz” Griffin in Piggott, Arkansas. To this union, four children were born: Glenda, Charles, Dale, and Randall.

Emma lived in Dudley, Missouri, from 1950 until 2015, when she moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas, to be nearer to her children. She dedicated much of her life to caring for her home and family. She also worked for many years as a skilled seamstress at the International Hat Company in Dexter, Missouri, where her craftsmanship and work ethic were well respected.

Following the passing of her first husband, Friz, Emma later found companionship again when she married Elzie “Dave” Hobbs. Together, they shared many joyful years, especially enjoying time spent fishing and gardening, until Dave’s passing in 1999.

Emma was a faithful member of Grace Community Church in Dudley, Missouri, and treasured her time spent there in worship.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Glendell “Friz” Griffin and Elzie “Dave” Hobbs; her sons, Dale (infant) and Charles; seven brothers, Jack, Robert, Larry, John, David, Jerry, and Louie Townsend; one sister, Shirley Bender; and one son-in-law, Michael Carpenter.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Glenda Holifield (Mitchell); her son, Randall Griffin (Kathy); her stepchildren, David Hobbs, Linda Picardo, Cheryl Hobbs; and her cherished grandchildren: Nicholas Griffin (Betsy), Jon Griffin (Caitlynn), Emily Griffin, Caroline Ernst (Harold), Carrie Hatton (Billy), and April Scott (Chris). She also leaves behind her treasured great-grandchildren: Jude, Shelby, Violet, and Ryan Griffin; Ian Hatton (Alison); Griffin Hatton (Scout); and Alexanna Scott.

Emma is also survived by her brother, Pete Townsend (Martha); her sister, Joann Horn; and numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with great affection.

Emma Lou Hobbs will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to strength, love, and the simple joys of family, faith, and home.

The family will honor Emma’s life with a private graveside service at Dudley Cemetery in Dudley, Missouri, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Lasting memorials may be made to Grace Community Church, Dudley, MO, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.