Emma Louise 'Poochie' Koonce

Emma L. “Poochie” Koonce, 84, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Gilmore Memorial RMC. Born on December 21, 1930, in West Point, she was a daughter of the late Emmet Randall and Louise Kirby Dent.

Growing up in Macon, she attended Macon High School until moving to Amory, where she graduated in the Class of 1947. Graduating from MSCW with a Home Economics degree, she was a member of the Blacklist Social Club while in college. Before becoming a homemaker, Poochie was a substitute teacher and later worked as the bookkeeper for 30 years with Cole Insurance Company. Poochie was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Strong, kind, and one who always saw the best in people, she was a fun and smart lady who possessed worldly wisdom. Having a strong love for family, Poochie remained very social with her life-long friends and enjoyed their fellowship while gathering for coffee. For 50 years, she was active in two Bridge Clubs and was a former member of the Junior Auxiliary. She was passionate about all sports, especially MSU sports. A voracious reader, Poochie was a frequent visitor to the library. She enjoyed sewing and crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her sons, Randy Maples (Vicki), Starkville, Greg Maples and Doug Maples (Valerie) of Tupelo; grandchildren, Dr. John Douglas Maples (Ashley), Marie Carol Maples, Marlee Catherine Maples, Emma Grace Hankins, Austin Bradley Hankins, Elijah Lane Hankins, and Benjamin Tristan Hankins; cousins, Gus Jones, Tupelo, Tommy Prince, Amory, and Trudy Pearson, Alexandria, VA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Milledge Maples, Jr., and grandchildren, Jorge, Cindy and Nichole Maples.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, February 14 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory with Rev. Tom Cheatham officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Larry Marett, Andrew Fox, Don Mitchell, Billy Rainey, Andy Love and Bill Caldwell.

Visitation will be from Noon – 1:50 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Amory Public Library, 401 2nd Ave. N, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.