Sister Emma Mary Brunson

Obituary For Sister Emma Mary Brunson

Emma Mary Brunson received the gift of life on February 22, 1939, in Jackson County, Florida, to the late Willie and Mamie Brunson.

She peacefully entered eternal rest on September 15, 2024, at Abbey Hospice, at the age of eighty-five.

Emma’s life was marked by a deep commitment to education and service, leaving a lasting impact on her family and community. Despite humble beginnings, she defied the odds by pursuing her academic ambitions.

She graduated from St. Paul High School in 1957 and furthered her education at Pensacola Junior College, where she formed a lifelong friendship with Flossy Wynn Cook.

Together, they pursued higher education at Florida A&M University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Emma later obtained a Special Education Certification from Valdosta State University. For thirty-three years, Emma dedicated herself to teaching, influencing, and inspiring countless students throughout her career.

Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life; she accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Buckhorn Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, Florida.

She later became a devoted member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Donalsonville, Georgia, where she actively participated in the choir and missionary ministries. Emma also served as the treasurer of the Seminole County Chapter of the NAACP and was an enthusiastic supporter of Florida A&M University and Ebony Fashion Shows. A passionate traveler, Emma enjoyed annual cruises with her lifelong friend, Flossie Wynn Cook.

She lived a life of dignity, providing comfort and solace to others while expecting little in return. Her unwavering work ethic was evident from her early days working in the fields with her parents to her roles as a wife and mother. Despite facing numerous challenges, Emma remained resilient and steadfast, often affirming her faith with the phrase, “The Lord Knows Best.”

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Mamie Brunson; beloved daughter, Glenda Joann Brunson; husband, Joe Nathan Wooden, Sr.; devoted son, Joe Nathan Wooden, Jr.; and loving brother, Willie C. Brunson.

She was survived by: her sons, Carlas Wooden (Denise) of Dublin, GA, and Vincent Wooden (Kenya) of Covington, GA; sister-in-law, Bessie Brunson of Pensacola, FL; niece, Sabrina Brunson of South Fulton, GA; and her cherished friend of sixty-seven years, Flossie Wynn Cook of Pensacola, FL; five granddaughters, Brianna Wooden, Brittney Wooden, Bridgette Wooden, Kierah Wright, and Bailey Wooden; four grandsons, Joshua Baxter, Brendan Wooden, Camden Wooden, and Catlin Johnson; five great-grandchildren; and three daughters-in-love, Diane Harvey of San Antonio, TX, Lena Baxter of Ashford, AL, and Demoya Chapman of West Palm Beach, FL. Emma Mary Brunson’s legacy of love, faith, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew her.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Est at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church located at 221 North Dowling Avenue in Donalsonville, GA with Rev. Delbert Bradley officiating. Interment will follow in the Buckhorn Missionary Baptist Church cemetery in Marianna, FL with the caring staff of Peoples Funeral Home directing. The body will lie in state at the church from 1:00 p.m. est until funeral time.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Peoples Funeral Home Chapel from 3 to 6 pm