Obituary: Emma J. Lauver, 85, of Smethport, formerly of Coudersport and Shinglehouse

Emma J. Lauver   “faith, family, farm” 

SMETHPORT, PA---Emma J. Lauver, 85, of Smethport, formerly of Coudersport and Shinglehouse, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with her loving husband by her side in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY. 

Born on Tuesday, May 30, 1939 in Shinglehouse, she was a daughter of Louis C. and Kathryn Yeager Perkins.  She was first married to Douglas L. Matthews and later Jack Knowlton, who both preceded her in death. On September 12, 2008 in Smethport, she married Marcus H. “Marc” Lauver, who survives. 

Emma was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Class of 1957.  She was employed by the former Clark Brothers Company in Olean, NY and was employed as a secretary at the Oswayo Valley Elementary School in Shinglehouse for many years until her retirement. 

Emma was a member of the Regular Baptist Church in Smethport.  She enjoyed the Potter County Fair, especially watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren show their cows.  Her greatest love was the Lord and her family. 

 Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Marc; four daughters, Paige D. (Bruce) Miles of Smethport, Nelsa M. (David) Risser of Genesee, Janet E. (Bryant) Empson of Genesee, and Nedra S. (Cody) Gross of Shinglehouse; six grandchildren, Chase (Bethany) Miles, Chet Risser, Megan Empson, Cullen Empson, Honor Gross and Emma Gross; two great-grandchildren, Case Miles and Adrienne Miles; a sister, Waneta Snyder of Coudersport; a brother, Lynn (Fran) Perkins of Shinglehouse; and several nieces and nephews.

 In addition to her parents and husbands, Emma was predeceased by an infant son; two brothers, Louis “Louie” Perkins and Steven Perkins; and a sister, Gladys “Tookie” Dickerson. 

Family and friends may call from 10am to 12 noon on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coon Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Phil Seely of Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church and Pastor Jack Gregg, pastor of the Regular Baptist Church, Smethport, officiating. Burial will be in Bell Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse. 

Flowers are gratefully declined.  Memorials in Emma’s name may be made to Regular Baptist Church, 820 E. Water Street, Smethport, PA 16749 or to Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coon Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 for mission work. 

Emma’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. 

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Emma, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.