Emma Elizabeth Saunders, 83, of Franklin, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2008.

Born in Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Joe Elliott and Ester Patterson Elliott. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lester Elliott and Gene Elliott. She was a charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

She is survived by three children, Alvin Elliott and wife Geneva of Franklin, Larry Saunders and wife Gennie of Franklin, and Patricia Deal and husband Butch of Franklin; one sister, Pallie Talley of Denver, NC; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Rev. Frank Rodriguez and Rev. Howard Southard will officiate. Burial will be in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Joe Deal, Bill Deal, Jimmy Deal, Benny Hampton, Dwayne Cloer and Steve Southard.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice House Foundation, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744 or Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com