Emma J. Horner

Emma J. Horner, 92, of Shelbyville, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Walker Place in Shelbyville.

She was born March 5, 1931, in Peebles, Ohio, the daughter of William Carl and Edna (Peno) Smith.  Her family later moved to Virginia, where she was raised.

Emma is survived by her sons, James H. Horner and wife, Melinda, John M. “Jack” Horner, and William C. Horner and wife, Vickie, all of Shelbyville; daughter-in-law, Maria Horner of Shelbyville; twin sisters, Edith Arritt and Ethel Smith, both of Covington, Virginia; grandchildren, Jennifer, Courtney, Lindsey, Gregory, Allison, Jessica and John; great-grandchildren, Nia, Mya, Parker, Jace, Graham, Reece, Blaine, Vivian and Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Rev. James H. “Jim” Horner, Emma was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Carl Smith Jr.; and sisters, Beulah Richardson and Dorothy Bowen.

While attending Kentucky Christian College, Emma met and married the love of her life, Jim, on May 29, 1950.  Jim and Emma moved to Shelbyville in 1958.

Emma served as the Chief Probation Officer for Shelby County from 1972 to 1992.  One of her proudest achievements was implementing the Guardian ad Litem program, which is now known as CASA, for Shelby County residents.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Shelbyville, where she was a very dedicated minister’s wife and participated in many church activities, including the Women’s fellowship group.

Emma was an avid reader and loved history.  She enjoyed watching sports on television.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Emma loved to attend her grandchildren’s events.

A Celebration of Emma's life will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, Sunday, June 11, 2023, in the fellowship hall at First Christian Church, 118 W Washington St. in Shelbyville.

Services were conducted at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with a Celebration of Emma’s life at a later date.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 118 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176; CASA, 1110 Amos Road, Suite A, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176; or Meals on Wheels, 1728 East State Road 44, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Emma’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.