Mrs. Emma Lee Hayes Eldridge, age 77, of Knoxville, TN, formerly of Rockwood, TN, passed away at Parkwest Medical Center with her family by her side. She was born in Rockwood, TN on October 6, 1948 to Allen Milford Hayes and Margie Treadway Hayes. She found a job as a gemstone examiner for Jewelry TV for 15 years and loved every day of her job. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and enjoyed every chance she could spend with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents: Allen and Margie Hayes; brothers: Bobby Hayes, Leonard Hayes, and Earl Hayes; sisters: Opal Hayes, Mary Lou Kindred, and Louise Stricklan. She is survived by:

Husband: Thomas Eldridge

Children: Scott Moates, Todd Moates, and Paul Moates

Step Children: Tony Eldridge, Jessica Eldridge, and Beverly Eldridge

Grandchildren: Darion Bullington, Scotti Bullington, Shandi Bullington, Ayden Moates, Bryson Moates, Xavier Moates, Logan Moates, and Sawyer Moates.

Step grandchildren: Michael Eldridge, Thomas Eldridge, Zeb Eldridge, Kassie Eldridge, Skylar Eldridge, Jamison Eldridge, Timothy Jernigan, Dalton Jernigan, and Brandon Smotherman, and Abigail Sullins.

Great Grandchildren: Arabella “Bean” Rosenbalm, Timothy “Scooter” Jernigan, Lillian Jernigan, and Hazel Eldridge.

Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family if Mrs. Emma Lee Eldridge. Cremation arrangement have been made and a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Evans Mortuary from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a service to take place after with Preacher Jasper Kelly officiating.