Our precious Emily Jo Petrie Ledford, 31, of Tullahoma went to heaven on Dec. 18, 2024 with her sweet unborn baby girl, Lorelei Anna Ledford.

She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend and will be greatly missed by so many. We do not always understand the ways of our Father in Heaven, but are comforted that He says He will always be with us.Emily grew up in Partlow, Virginia. She was a graduate of Spotsylvania High School, Virginia Tech and the College of William & Mary School of Education. She taught in Spotsylvania schools for two years before moving to Tennessee where she became a licensed insurance agent and used her education as a trainer for Aetna Medicare insurance. She was a member of Wallers Baptist Church, Partlow, until moving to Tullahoma when she joined Crosspoint Fellowship.

Emily loved the beach, hiking, cooking, and reading. She loved country music, dancing and had a beautiful singing voice. Her main goal in life was to be the best wife and mother, and she cherished her large, extended family and the friendships she made. She was so happy to find out they would be adding to their family in 2025. She was a bright ray of sunshine and we will miss her beautiful smile and exuberant laugh.

She is survived by the love of her life, Zach Ledford, her much-loved daughter, Emerson Jo, both of the home, parents, Craig and Tammy Petrie, brothers Brian Petrie (Megan), Aaron Petrie, all of Virginia, brother Justin Petrie (Sarah) of Florida, parents-in-law, Larry and Pam Ledford of Manchester, Tennessee, maternal grandparents, BJ and Mary Jane Dye of Virginia, brother-in-law, Nathan Ledford (Shelby) of Nashville, Tennessee, one nephew, three nieces, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends from high school, college and workplaces. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Richard and Alice Petrie, and several paternal uncles.

A Celebration of Life was held at the First Methodist Church gymnasium (208 West Lauderdale Street, Tullahoma, TN) on Saturday, Dec. 28. A separate service will also be held in Virginia. Details to be determined. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to a dream fund for Emerson to support her in whatever avenue she chooses… college, family, etc. https://gofund.me/cca976f0.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Dec. 29, 2024