Emma L. Williams

On October 26, 2018, the Angel of Silence descended upon Norfolk, Virginia and with tenderness and compassion, closed the eyes that had seen a brighter vision, folded the hands that had labored for God and man, stopped the feet that made a many step, and sealed the lips that had glorified and called upon the name of Jesus. Emma Louise Teachey Williams was born July 2, 1934 in Pender County, North Carolina to the late Junious “Sun” Teachey and Alice Herring Teachey. She received her formal education in the New Hanover County School System and graduated from Williston Industrial High School in 1952. She furthered her education by attending nursing school. Following her graduation from high school, Emma married the love of her life, Irving Washington Williams affectionately known as Wash, on June 7, 1953. During the early years of their marriage, she was a military wife supporting her husband and raising their children as a devoted homemaker. After the children became of age, Emma began working as a transit driver for Tidewater Regional Transit. She retired from her employment with TRT after many years of service. Emma accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. After moving to Portsmouth, Virginia with her husband and children, she became a member of First Baptist Church Taylorsville where the late T. M. Steele was pastor. Later, Emma became a member of Tabernacle Church where Bishop Marcus D. Brown, Sr. is pastor. She attended services there faithfully until her health began to fail. Emma was known to care for, house and feed many children who grew up in the Cavalier Manor community. She had an open door and was a mother to many. Some called her mom, some called her grandma, and some called her auntie. Others called her Sis. But very rarely did anyone call her Emma. She made everyone feel loved and as if they were family. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Thomas W. Teachey, Wilhemina McCoy and Annie Pearl Teachey. She leaves to mourn her loving, devoted husband of 65 years, Irving W. Williams; three children: Carolyn D. Williams, Tesua T. Williams (Carlton Ratcliffe, Sr.). and Duane D. Williams, Sr. (Jacqueline): six grandchildren: Kenyata Williams, Myesha Williams, Makeda Williams. Carlton Ratcliffe, Jr., Ashae Williams and Duane Williams, Jr.; five great-grandchildren, Dontrell Banks, Domonique Banks, Aubren Williams,Geovonni Williams and Trinity Bright; two sisters, Eva T. Williams (Carlyle) and Doris T. Newkirk; two foster sisters, Ray and Janine Wilder; a host of nieces and nephews with special recognition of Lillie Mae Hunt, Karen Herring and Tonya Smith along with cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

Emma L. Williams

July 2, 1934 - October 26, 2018