Emma Wright Pedersen, 89, of Hamlet, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 at Richmond County Hospice Haven, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Aug. 29, 1937, in Richmond County, daughter of the late W.B. Wright and Elizabeth Mills Wright.
Emma was a loving and devoted woman whose greatest joy in life was her family. She worked as a hairdresser for more than 35 years and truly loved her career and the many people she met along the way.
Emma was an avid sewer and embroiderer, sharing her remarkable talent through beautiful, award-winning work. She also loved playing the piano and music, especially during her earlier years. She found joy in decorating her home and creating a warm and welcoming place for those she loved.
Above all else, Emma loved her family fiercely. They were her everything, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Her love, talents, kindness, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Emma will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and all whose lives she touched.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Pedersen; and brothers, Eugene Wright and Terry Wright.
Left to cherish Emma’s memories are her children, Kathy Popple of Hamlet and Jeffrey Marsh of Charlotte; granddaughter, Beth McRae Cauley (Michael) of Hamlet; great-grandchildren, Hannah Rodriguez and Tripp Rodriguez; sister, Sylvia Cox of Columbia, South Carolina; special nephew, Dwayne Wright (Gina) of Hamlet; and many other nieces, nephews and special friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 from 2-3 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
A Celebration of Life will follow visitation, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Harrington Funeral Home with Pastor Butch Park officiating.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the home, Freeman Mill Road, Hamlet.
Memorials are requested to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Pedersen family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
