Emily Gillock

Emily June Gillock, born September 15, 1939, in Marthaville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Marthaville, Louisiana, on Friday, February 13, 2026, with two of her three sons at her side.

Emily was born and raised in Marthaville, where she spent her childhood developing a strong sense of independence and an adventurous spirit. She loved to explore the woods as a child and never grew out of that spirit of adventure. As both a child and an adult, Emily was known for her curiosity, courage, and willingness to embrace new experiences. Emily moved away from Marthaville after high school to pursue her dreams, then returned to Marthaville in 2000, where she has resided ever since. Her years away helped shape the person she became but her bond with her hometown remained strong and enduring.

Emily was preceded in death by her beloved husband of thirty-three years, William Gillock; her parents, Emma Alice Parent and Frank Herbert Parent; and her brother, Herbert Parent, who died as an infant. She is survived by her sons, Franklin Fertitta, Chris Fertitta, and Robert Rutledge; her stepson, William Gillock, Jr.; her grandchildren, Lindsay, Michael, Emily, Addie, Nicholas, Sidney, Bayley, Madison, Brooklyn, Arslan, Emily, and Naya; great-grandchildren, Margot, Mary, Wrenley, Josie, Kohen, and Austin; along with many family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She will be remembered for her adventurous and kind nature, her resilience and strength, and her deep connection to home and community. Emily’s life reflected growth, determination, strength, as well as the lasting importance of roots.

The family would like to THANK ALL of the WONDERFUL ladies of Hospice of Natchitoches for the INCREDIBLE level of love, support, and care, shown not to just our mom, but to me and my older brother, Frank. Y’all are our heroes.

A memorial service to honor the life of Emily will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 3pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the funeral home beginning at 2pm.