AUBURNDALE - Emma Pearl Bearden, of Auburndale, FL, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center from cancer. She was 81.

A native of Holmes County, FL, born August 31, 1926, Emma moved here 51 years ago from Aniston, Alabama. She was a retired certified nurses aide from Winter Haven Health & Rehab Center, and prior to that she was a sectionizer for Snively Citrus. Emma was also a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, and she taught cooking classes in Winter Haven.

She was preceded in death by her husband: George Washington Bearden, her son: Sherman Lee Bearden, and a daughter: Shirley Edwards. She is survived by her sons: James Bearden of Lakeland, FL, Vernon Bearden of Auburndale, FL, Herman Bearden of Simpsonville, SC; her daughter: Sharon Sapp of Polk City, FL; and she had 22 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven. Funeral services will be Thursday, 10 AM from the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park. Condolences to family: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com .