Mrs. Emma Laverne Sanford, of Wetumpka, AL, born on March 2, 1918, passed away on January 14, 2017, at the age of 98.  She was a life-long resident of Elmore County.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bennie Elmer Sanford.  She is survived by children, Ben Sanford (Shari), Ken Sanford (Betsy), and Paula Drew (Tommy), grandchildren, April Clemmer (Gary), Vilas Brooks (Amy) and Katherine Sanford, two great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wetumpka for more than 50 years, where she served as a teacher in the children's beginner class for 20 years.  She supported her children in various activities including the Band Parents group and later worked for the City of Wetumpka for 17 years.  She loved the Lord very much and she showed that love and kindness to everyone she met.  She continued inviting people to her church at every opportunity.  She will be missed very much by all who knew her, but she will be rejoicing in the presence of her Heavenly Father through-out eternity.

Visitation will be from 1-2:00 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2017.  Services will follow in the chapel, both at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka. Dr. James Troglen will officiate.

If so desired memorial contributions may be made to the Wetumpka First Baptist Church Library.

Burial will follow at Pine View Memorial Gardens.