WOODLAND – Mrs. Emily Bryant Rawls, age 70, died at the Rich Square Health Care Center in Rich Square on Sunday, October 30, 2011.

She was born in Bertie County, however lived in Northampton most all her adult life.  She was married to Wayne Rawls in April of 1961 and they enjoyed fifty years of marriage.  Mrs. Rawls worked for Mylecraft for some twenty years.  She also worked for Parker Manufacturing for a number of years and later worked in retail sales.  She and Wayne were members of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Aulander.

Mrs. Rawls loved gardening, music and had a special passion for animals.  She was always rescuing and providing homes for stray animals.  Mrs. Rawls dearly cherished her extended family and friends for all the love and support.

Preceding her in death are her mother and father, Lena Bunch Bryant and Acree Bryant.

Survivors include her husband, Wayne Rawls of the home; one sister, Vera Bryant Drew of Aulander; and several special nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Aulander Cemetery in Aulander.  Officiating will be the Rev. Jimmy Jarrell.

The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Hospice, 301 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC  27804-5748 or PAWS of Hertford County, PO Box 153, Murfreesboro, NC  27855.

Sykes Funeral Service of Rich Square is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.sykesfuneralservice.com.