Emma Lou (Mcconnell) Risley

Funeral Service for Emma Lou (McConnell) Risley, 74, of Vian, Oklahoma will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Vian, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

She was born on June 14, 1947 in Gore, Oklahoma to Bertha (Noel) McConnell and Elmer McConnell and passed away on September 17, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She married the love of her life, Robert Risley on July 12, 1967 in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Emma loved her family more than anything and spoiled them tremendously. She was a strong-willed woman with a heart of gold. She took great pride in cooking and her family. She enjoyed playing bingo, cards, and dominoes with relatives and friends, while instilling her competitive spirit in her grandkids. Emma was always the life of the party and it was hard to get a word in edgewise once she started talking. In her younger years, Emma enjoyed dancing. She and her husband, Robert could be found dancing at many social events or dance-halls. She was a natural caregiver. She shared this passion in her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Vian nursing home for over 30 years. Emma will be remembered for her hatred of smacking bubble gum and her ability to make anyone anywhere “walk the line.”

Survivors are:

husband: Robert of the home;

2 sons: Charles Risley and Melissa Gatewood of Vian, OK and Mark and Amanda Risley of Vian, OK;

5 grandchildren: Sherri Risley, Myranda DeBus, Joseph Risley, Bobby Joe Risley and Hallee Risley;

3 great-grandchildren: Skye, Dalli Jo and Aspin;

1 sister: Alice Applewhite of Vian, OK;

2 brothers: Charles McConnell of Gore, OK and Gary and Ronna McConnell of Warner, OK;

several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer “Fuzzy” and Bertha McConnell; and her siblings, Susie McConnell, Lahoma Cassinger, Bonnie Terrell, Bill McConnell, Clyde McConnell and Mike McConnell.

Active Pallbearers will be Brent Garris, Jason Garris, Joseph Risley, Bobby Joe Risley, Darrell Terrell and Troy Scoggins.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Nephews.

Viewing will be 2 – 8 PM Tuesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma where the family will greet 6 – 8 PM.