The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore

 Emmalee Bullard has lead a very impoverished existence throughout her young life and attempting to raise a baby at the age of 16 isn't making her situation any easier. Residing in the Appalachians during the 70s was simply difficult, so when she manages to get hired on at the Tennewa Shirt Factory and is befriended by a factory worker named  Leona, she feels hopeful that her life might be moving in a more positive direction.

After the birth of Emmalee's baby, Leona encourages both young mother and child to move in with her and her husband, Curtis. Unfortunately, the day before Emmalee and her infant are to make the move, the kind couple are involved and killed in a tragic car accident. In the days that follow, a grieving Emmalee sews a lovely burying dress for Leona but unfortunately,  more tragedy occurs.

Is Emmalee capable of raising a child on her own without the support of her community?






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