Elm City –

Wendy Jo Emerson, age 68, passed away peacefully Monday, December 1, 2025 with her family by her side. She was born in Nash County on December 19, 1956. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bobby and Barbara Reams; sister, Tracy Bales and brothers, B.G. "Tony" Bales, II, Matthew Bales and Mike Bales. She was also preceded in death by her nephews and niece, Byron Genon Bales, III, Cameron Matthew Bales and Cassidy Nichole Bales.

She is survived by her sons, Tracey Scott Pridgen and wife, Kelli of Elm City, Kristopher Brent Pridgen and wife, Tammy of Bailey and Patrick Chance Emerson of Elm City; special sister-in-law, Regina Lynn Bryant of Elm City and special friends, Wendy Jones of Greenville, Faye Ellis of Wilson and Cheryl DeMuth of Nashville.

Wendy will also be missed by six grandchildren; one great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 7:00 - 9:00pm at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, and other times at the home of Scott and Kelli Pridgen. A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Bales-Reams Family Cemetery, 5616 Temperance Hall Road, Elm City, NC 27822.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Charles Hunter and staff; the Amedisys Hospice Group; and Pastor Larry Kirby for all their care and compassion shown to Wendy and family.