Emma Jo "Tot" Stocks

Mrs. Emma Jo “Tot” Stocks, a well-known resident and business leader of Calhoun passed away early Saturday morning, November 4, 2023 at her residence following a period of declining health.

She was born in Bartow County, Georgia at the Barnsley Estate on April 16, 1938, the daughter of the late Eugene (Gene) Hubbard and Mary Pope Hubbard. The youngest of her siblings. Her parents were sharecroppers and farmed the land where the renovated Barnsley Gardens is currently located. Her father was a Southern Baptist Pastor and her mother was a home maker,” Tot” got her nickname because she was the smallest and youngest of the siblings who are now all deceased.

“Tot” and her late husband Bill Stocks met in Calhoun at a church service where her father was preaching in Calhoun and it became a love story. They were married on May 7, 1954. Bill at that time was a broadcaster working at WBLJ Radio in Dalton and he and “Tot” together, opened Gift Shops on US Highway 41 between Dalton and Cartersville selling Peacock Chenille Bed spreads, various gifts and even fireworks. Both wanted to expand their horizon and in 1965 they applied to the FCC for a radio frequency in Calhoun and after it was granted, they opened WEBS Radio and it became a very successful venture, in 1969 they applied to the FCC once again for a Cable TV License which was granted and they built the first Cable TV system later known as WEBBS Cable TV. “Tot” and Bill were great visionaries with an entrepreneurial spirit, willing to work long hours, day, and night and were very successful and blessed. Later Bill was diagnosed with Laryngeal Cancer and after much prayer and thought, they decided to sell both WEBS Radio and WEBBS Cable TV to Telemedia in 1981.

“Tot “was an active member of her community serving in many capacities. She was instrumental in forming the Pink Ladies Auxiliary of Gordon Hospital, organizing the first Easter Egg Drop from an airplane at Tom B. David Airport, the Cherokee Capital Fair organizational committee, the Press Box at Phil Reeve Stadium was named in her honor, she was a  member of the Calhoun-Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, Pilot Club and Lion’s Club. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend and was a member of Calhoun First Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Sandy, and Chip Sloan, and their two daughters, Hanna Dean and Holli (Eric) Jones; a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Connie Stocks, and their children, Brittany (T.J.) Bunch, Brie (Curt) Welch and Brody (Carrie) Stocks; great grandchildren, Jack, John and Judd Dean, Bowen, Bryor and Baylor Bunch, Colt Welch, Bodi and Addi Stocks, Jacob, and Jett Jones. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

A service to celebrate the life of Emma Jo “Tot” Stocks will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 2:00 PM from Calhoun First Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Cowart and Dr. Bert Vaughn officiating. Music will be arranged by Carmen Free Green and Donald Cowart. Her body will be laid to rest at Fain cemetery beside her late husband Bill. Pallbearers serving include Jack Dean, Chase Dean, T.J. Bunch, Curt Welch, Eric Jones, Brody Stocks, Dr. Mitch Frix and James Steel. The Great-grandchildren, Jack, John, Judd, Bowen, Bryor, Baylor, Colt, Bodi, Addi, Jacob, and Jett will serve as honorary pallbearers

The family will receive friends at Calhoun First Baptist Church Tuesday, November 7^th between the hours of 12:00 Pm and 2:00 PM.

Floral offerings will be accepted or memorial contributions may be given in Mrs. Stocks Memory to TC Thompson Children's Hospital at Erlanger, 910 Blackford Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

The family would like to thank Elva Fraire, Joyce Colston, Mami Austin, Faith Austin, Margarita Mckenson, Michelle Coleman, staff of Homespun Hospice and Dr. Katherine Naymick and her staff for the wonderful care and support they provided.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Emma Jo “Tot” Stocks.