Emma was the daughter of Jesse Allen Hodges and Mary Gamero Hodges. As a young child, Emma won a talent contest and became known as ''The Shirley Temple of the Philippines.'' She had her own radio show and received fan mail from admirers. Growing up, Emma often read Spanish-language books to her grandmother and became fluent in English, Spanish, and Tagalog.
Emma's life changed dramatically at the age of 11 when World War II began. During the war, she helped plan and prepare meals for her large family. As the war came to an end, Emma and her family traveled to the United States aboard a Red Cross-supervised ship, arriving in San Francisco before eventually settling in Quinlan, Texas, the hometown of her father.
Emma attended Quinlan High School, where she played basketball and served as the pianist for school dances, graduating in 1947. On January 12, 1948, she married Carlton D. Smith in Greenville, Texas. Together they built a loving home and raised five children.
A devoted member of Crestview Christian Church in Greenville, Emma sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served as an elder, participated in Christian Women's Fellowship and Church Women United, and at one time served as church treasurer. After many years as a homemaker, Emma began working for Weight Watchers, where she faithfully served for 35 years as a receptionist and weigher, forming many lasting friendships along the way.
Emma is survived by her children: Barton Smith and wife Vivianne, Carla Bizzell and husband Allen, Lisa Aly and husband Scott, and Jesse Smith and wife Laura. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tonita Daniels and fiance' Nick, Allison Smith and husband Nick, Vincent Smith and wife Verena, Jonathan Smith, Derick Smith, Bonnie Bizzell and husband Jim, Bradley Bizzell, Chad Smith and wife Lisa, Corey Sylvis and husband Craig, Jordan Aly and wife Danielle, David Aly, Sarah Aly, Rachel Aly, Warren Smith and husband Lucas, and Emma Ruth Smith.
Her legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren: Leelah, Aurielle, November, Nathaniel, Adrie, Robin, Lucas, Kaden, Emmalyn, Auden, JJ, Kensliegh, Carson, Kyler, and Avarie.
Emma is further survived by her sisters, Joyce Barrow and Rose Chieffo, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carlton D. Smith; her brothers, Robert Hodges, Jesse Hodges Jr., and James Hodges; her sisters, Lucy Collins, Mary Jane Vance, and Linnie McCormack; her son, Craig D. Smith, and daughter-in-law Kathy Smith; her grandsons, Benjamin Smith and Brian Howard; and her great-granddaughter, Amelia ''Mia'' Smith.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor John Shasteen and Rev. Melody Dukes. Pallbearers will be David Aly, Jordan Aly, Howard Barrow, Tim Hunt, Chip Vance, and Chad Smith. Interment will take place at IOOF Cemetery in Quinlan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Crestview Christian Church
3575 TX-Hwy 34 South
Suite 108
Greenville, TX 75402
Condolences(5)
Jack Ikenaga
The Woodlands, TX Friday, May 22, 2026 Jesse and Family... Lisa and I are so sorry for your loss, and we hope for a wonderful service and remembrance of your mother, as she leaves her suffering behind and goes to a better place. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for all of you during this bittersweet time. Love, Jack and Lisa.Shawn Sunshine Strickland
San Francisco, CA Friday, May 22, 2026 I love you Aunt Emma, your kindness will always be with me. I know you are with Uncle Carlton and All the family in Heaven now 💜💜💜☮️🙏🏼🕉️✝️Grandma Hodges and Grandpa, all my relatives, some I never met.
You are/were a BLESSING FROM GOD. ✝️
Bonnie, Jim, & Finn
Seattle, WA Friday, May 22, 2026 Carla and other loved ones,We are so sorry for your loss. Emma was a bright light with a delightful, mischievous energy. We had the joy of talking with her on Zoom a few times; each time was a loving visit and a glimpse of her humor, caring, and fun.
Thinking of you; holding you in our hearts,
Bonnie, Jim, & Finn the dog
Vonda Coffman
Cuyahoga Falls, OH Thursday, May 21, 2026 Lisa & family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was an amazing person. I am so grateful for meeting and talking with her on my visit to Texas. I will never forget her stories.Mary Collins Gamero
, TX Wednesday, May 20, 2026 My Aunt Emma will be missed by many. Emma was a wonderful, Christian lady and everyone loved her.