Smithfield- Emma Ruth Pilkington Stafford, age 85, passed away Thursday October 17 ^th 2019. Born September 16 ^th 1934 in Johnston County she was a daughter of the late Edgar and Kathleen Edwards Pilkington. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Lee Stafford Sr.; and her sister, Janice Petit. Mrs. Emma was a member of Bakers Chapel in Brogden. During her life Emma was a spinner at the Burlington Mills.

A graveside service will be conducted on Sunday October 20 ^th at 2:00pm at Oakland Heights Cemetery with Reverend Gene DeWitt officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of Robert Stafford, Jr., 8 Colony Ridge, Clayton, NC 27520

Emma is survived by her son, Robert Stafford Jr., and wife Wendy of Clayton; daughters, Susan Anderson and husband Terry of Four Oaks, and Cherry Peele and husband Alvin of Morehead City; six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.