Emily Susan (Hooker) Breland

Emily Susan Breland peacefully entered her eternal home with the LORD on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m., passing away at home with her husband Jim, her son, Jimmy, and his wife, Jade at her bedside.

Surrounded by love, she left her earthly tent for the glory of heaven.

Born on May 21, 1947, Emily was the beloved daughter of Edmond and Mae Hooker, who preceded her in death. On August 31, 1968, she married the love of her life, James (Jim) Breland Jr., beginning a 57-year lifelong partnership marked by devotion, laughter, and faith.

After their marriage, Emily and Jim moved to Beaumont, Texas, where Emily worked as a legal secretary and Jim worked as an engineer in the petrochemical industry. After two years, they relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, where Emily enrolled at the University of Kansas to pursue her degree in education, and Jim began his career with a consulting engineering firm. After four years there, they returned to the suburbs of Atlanta, where they would raise their family and build lasting roots.

Emily and Jim made their home in Lilburn, Georgia, from 1974 to 2005, where they raised their family and were active members of the community. During those years, Emily was a faithful member of Smoke Rise Baptist Church (1975–2005), where she taught youth and Sunday school classes for many years and even played first base on the women’s softball team.

Emily was a proud graduate of Tucker High School in Georgia and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Kansas on May 20, 1974. Her calling as an educator shaped her life’s purpose. She served as a dedicated senior English teacher at Stone Mountain High School, Berkmar High School, and Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia—where she was honored as Teacher of the Year on May 20, 1997. She also served as Senior Class Sponsor at Parkview, pouring herself into the lives of her students with enthusiasm and care. Emily’s love for her students and passion for learning left an indelible mark on countless young lives.

Beyond the classroom, Emily continued to tutor and mentor many of her former students long after their high school graduations—guiding them through college and early adulthood. Her compassion and investment in their lives built lasting relationships and continued to make a meaningful impact for years to come.

When she and Jim retired in 2005, they moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where Emily continued to teach in a different classroom—sharing God’s Word as a devout Bible teacher at Christ Lutheran Church.

Her heart for Scripture and her careful preparation of each lesson encouraged many to grow in faith and love for Christ.

Beyond her vocation, Emily found joy in the simple pleasures of life—traveling to her grandchildren’s activities, cheering for Georgia Tech football, enjoying rounds of golf at Wexford Plantation, watching grand slam tennis, and treasuring the company of dear friends. Yet above all, she loved Jesus Christ with all her heart. Her life reflected the fruit of the Spirit in her devotion to family, her compassion for others, and her steadfast walk with the Lord.

Emily is survived by her husband, Jim; her cherished son, James “Jimmy” Breland III, and his wife, Jade; and her five treasured grandchildren—Alexia, Eleanor, Gage, James IV (JB), and Bronson—who brought immense joy and laughter to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Edmond Hooker Jr., and his wife, Cheryl, along with loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Today, Emily is home—surrounded by the presence of her Savior and the everlasting light of heaven.

“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” —John 14:2-4

A Memorial Service to honor her life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of the service at the funeral home.

A reception will follow the service, featuring light hors d’oeuvres for family, friends, and members of the community as we gather to share memories and celebrate Emily’s life and legacy. The location is to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emily’s memory to:

Christian Family Church

Church Plant of ~ Rev. James Breland III ~ https://christianfamilychurchsc.com/

Give by Mail: 329 Hulston Landing Road, Bluffton, SC 29909

Give Online: https://christian-family-church-506083.churchcenter.com/giving