Funeral services for Emma Tinney, 78, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Livingston, Texas with Rev. Steve Woody officiating. Interment will follow in the Restland Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2020 in the Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

Emma Alice Tinney was born July 25, 1941 in Livingston, Texas to parents, Ivan R. Phillips and Dovie Gaylord Phillips, and passed away February 29, 2020 in Atascocita, Texas. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother James Earl Phillips, and her beloved husband Danny Ray Tinney.

Emma Alice graduated from Livingston High School in 1959.  She then went on to receive her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Sam Houston State University.  She worked as a teacher of English, business, and special education in various schools eventually coming to work for Livingston ISD in 1980.  She taught special education, then became an educational diagnostician, eventually becoming the director of the Polk County Special Services Coop.  She always believed that every child could learn.  She worked to create an educational environment in which students were taught to their strengths and treated with respect and positivity.  She retired from Livingston ISD with 41 years in public education.

Emma Alice has been a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and the Robert Rankin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She served on the Child Welfare Board and was very active in the Keep Texas Beautiful campaign receiving a Governor's Award for the beautification of Polk County.  She was also inducted into the LISD Outstanding Educators Program and received the Distinguished Educator of the Year award from Sam Houston State University.

She was a true educator at heart, a steadfast friend, a devoted wife, and the most loving mother.  She is survived by her devoted daughter Lisa Henderson of Atascocita; sister-in-law, Patsy Phillips of Livingston; nephews, Jimmy Phillips and wife, Karen of Sabinal, and Bobby Phillips and wife, Coby of Livingston; nieces, Gaylee Sheppard and husband, Jerry of Fairfield, and Susan Hayter and John of Montgomery; special daughter, Haley Edelbach and husband Kurt of Cypress; and special grandson, Bruce Edelbach of Cypress; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers: Jimmy Phillips, Jerry Sheppard, John Hayter, Bobby Phillips, Bobby Henderson, Logan Hayter

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following in Ms. Emma's name:

The Polk County Retired Teachers Children's Book Fund c/o Paula Kimbro

206 Post Oak Street

Livingston, Texas 77351

The Robert Rankin Chapter of the DAR c/o Phyllis Harrell.

575 Kelley Road

Livingston, Texas 77351

The Green and White Scholarship Fund

PO Box 1297

Livingston, Texas 77351