ALife Well-Lived Emma Lee King was born December 2, 1916, to Walter and Fannie Boone Love in Grenada County, Mississippi. She was the oldest of three daughters. Her parents and her sisters, Bessie Lee Brock and Jimmie Lue Hall preceded her in death.
At the age of 11, Emma accepted Christ at Jackson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. H. C. Jones. She and her sisters were well known in the community and surrounding areas for their amazing gifts of singing, which drew even the non-churched into the house of God. Emma’s life was always grounded in God, work, family, and education. Even with the limited time that she was able to attend school, when not in the cotton fields, Emma took full advantage of every educational opportunity. She excelled in academics and was proudly able to complete the 6th grade. She passed this foundation on to her children, enabling them to excel in their faith, work, school, and life. In 1932, at the tender age of 16, Emma married the only love of her life, Clinton King, Sr. To this union eight children were born: Mary Gladys, Clinton Jr., Fannie Lee, Clarence Edward, Lawrence Travis, Annie Vera, Norris Dale, and Morris Roberson. They worked as sharecroppers in Mississippi and raised a total of nine children together,
including Clinton’s oldest son, Frank Eddie. In January of 1955, Clinton moved the family to Memphis, TN so the children could have a better education and more opportunities. In Memphis, he managed a masonry company, a masterful craft that was passed on to his sons. Emma was a hardworking, dedicated wife and mother, cleaning houses, cooking, and washing to help support the family. She was well-known for her excellent cooking and sewing skills and had a green thumb, maintaining a bountiful garden well into her 80s. To ensure that her children had a firm foundation in the Word of God, Emma attended Riverside Missionary Baptist Church, officially joining in 1957. She remained there until 2008 when she joined New Life in Christ Fellowship Church, now New Life of Memphis, under the leadership of Bishop Kevin B. Willis, Sr. In 1965, Emma suffered a devastating loss when her husband died suddenly. She was left to raise the youngest four children alone. In 1968, Emma began working for Memphis City Schools as a cook and retired from Westhaven Elementary School in 1981. Emma always promoted academics and encouraged her children to be active, responsible citizens, who strived for excellence. She lived to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren graduate from high
school, with some graduating from college and trade schools. She was a supportive Charter Lifetime member of the Mitchell High School Alumni Association, Inc. and voted twice for the first Black President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the first female candidate for President, Hillary Clinton. When her oldest granddaughter, Brenda, married a young Frenchman, she was the first in the family to fly to France, declaring, “I want to see where my granddaughter is.” She also lived to witness her great-granddaughter, Chloe Mortaud, be crowned the first black Miss France in 2009. It was a living testament of how far and wide her teachings and values had extended. Emma was a loving wife, outstanding mother, loyal friend, and compassionate and caring neighbor who lived out her faith in God daily. She gracefully transitioned from this life in good health, peacefully, at her home in the presence of her family on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 7:00pm. She was preceded in death by her children Frank, Clinton Jr., Fannie, Clarence, and Norris. Her family lives on through Mary Dillard (Isaac) of Los Angeles, CA, Lawrence King, Sr. (Eliza), Annie Vera Banks and Morris King, all of Memphis, TN. Her legacy of love spans six generations. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, church family and neighbors who she loved dearly. LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A CENTENARIAN DID YOU KNOW THAT EMMA... • lived through at least 6 major wars including, but not limited to: World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War & War in Iraq • survived the Influenza Epidemic of 1918 • lived during Prohibition & saw the 19th Amendment passed (giving women the right to vote) • survived two pandemics • was a teacher in a one room schoolhouse • graduated from 6th grade (which was the equivalent of today’s 12th grade) • witnessed the Civil Rights Movement • witnessed the Black Lives Matter Movement • voted for Barack Obama, first Black President, twice • was the eldest member of New Life of Memphis 104 YEARS OF LIFE, LOVE AND FAMILY!
Order of Service
Scripture Reading (Psalm 23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. J. Lawrence Turner Senior Pastor, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Dr. Melvin Watkins Senior Pastor, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood Song of Praise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Devoted Expressions From the Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lawrence T. King, Sr. Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bishop Kevin B. Willis, Sr. Senior Pastor, New Life of Memphis Interment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E. H. Ford Mortuary
LOVE SHINES THROUGH ETERNITY Like a shadow in the moonlight Like the whisper of the seas Like the echoes of a melody Just beyond our reach. In the shadow of our sorrow Past the whisper of goodbye Love shines through eternity A heartbeat from our eye. -Author Unknown
Acknowledgment
We extend our most sincere gratitutde to each of you for sharing in the celebration of a life well-lived. Words cannot express our deep appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown to us during this time. Your generosity, love and prayers will forever live in our hearts. ~ The family of Emma Lee King ~
Lawrence Travis King, Jr. Reginald King
Pallbearers
Clarence King Brandon King
Clinton Stinnett Mario Cotton, Sr.
Ajuane Rogers Willie Shaw, Sr.
Interment
New Park Cemetery 4526 Horn Lake Road Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Arrangements Entrusted To E. H. Ford Mortuary 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis, Tennessee 38116 (901) 345-9558
“Blessings and peace Mom. We love you MORE, and we will see you on the other side!” - Your Children
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.