Emma Smith-Leach, passed away peacefully, Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Greenville, S.C., at the age of 100 and ½ years.
Born Feb. 21, 1926, in Lookout, she was a beacon of wisdom, joy and unconditional love throughout a full century of life. A devoted pastor’s wife, she lived her life grounded in a profound love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She never met a stranger and opened her heart freely to everyone in her path. Above all, her family was her greatest joy, along with sharing the Gospel and leading others to Christ. A selfless mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her family will forever cherish the warmth of her presence and her bedtime stories rich in imagination and wonder.
Her enduring legacy lives on through her surviving family which includes her son, Terry (Janice) Leach; daughter, Sharlotte (Michael) McGary; grandchildren, Michael McGary, Jonathan McGary, James McGary, Patrick McGary, Terry Leach II, Daniel Leach, and their spouses; 16 cherished great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred F. Smith and Mae Smith-Quisenberry; ten beloved brothers and sisters; and husband, Pastor Arnold V. Leach, who passed away in 1973.
Service was conducted Tuesday, Aug. 4 at Herald and Stewart Home for Funerals with her son, Terry W. Leach officiating the funeral and graveside ceremonies as he did for his father in 1973. Burial was in the Lovely-Amburgy Cemetery in Jeffersonville.
Her grandsons were pallbearers.
Services entrusted to the care of Herald and Stewart Home for Funerals.
