We gather here today to celebrate the life of Emma Lovelle Blackburn, a woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, her laughter, and her love for life. Emma was born on January 28th, 1941 to Professor Lawrence D. Blackburn and Lovie Rhea Blackburn, both of whom preceded her in death. Emma was an only child, but she had a huge family that she loved dearly.

Emma's family moved to Chicago when she was just nine years old, and she quickly became involved in the community, attending Catholic Of Love Baptist Church and singing in the choir with her mother. Emma attended several schools in Chicago, including Emil Hirsch High School and Wilson Junior College, before joining the choir at Tennessee A&E State University in Nashville.

Emma had a passion for music, and she pursued this passion throughout her life. She formed singing groups such as EME and Gerri & George, and performed in Indiana, Chicago, and Wisconsin. Emma also worked in the music industry, producing and recording songs, managing groups and single vocalists, and even owning her own recording studio. She was also a radio announcer and personality for WLS in Chicago.

But Emma's interests extended far beyond music. She worked at several places throughout her life, including the Depot Family Counseling Agency and the medical office of Donna M. Perry, M.D.S.C. as an Office Manager. Emma was known for her upbeat personality, her love for dogs, and her talent for telling jokes and making people laugh.

Emma's family was a huge part of her life, and she cherished her relationships with her siblings, cousins, and relatives. She leaves behind a large extended family that includes the Rhea's, Dewalt's, Bells, Paraglis, Green’s, Morrison’s, and Moore's, as well as many other cherished family members and friends.

To Emma's siblings, cousins, and relatives: Emma loved you all so much, and she treasured the time she spent with each and every one of you. Although we cannot mention everyone by name, please know that Emma held each of you close to her heart. She was proud of all of your accomplishments, and she always enjoyed catching up with you and hearing about your lives. Emma's passing leaves a void in all of our lives, but we can take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. We honor her memory by cherishing the love and memories she shared with us, and by continuing to support and uplift one another as she would have wanted.

Rest in peace, Emma Lovelle Blackburn. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Emma L. Blackburn was born on January 28th, 1941 (an only child) to Professor Lawrence D. Blackburn and Lovie Rhea Blackburn. Both preceded her in death. 

Emma attended grades 1st through 4th in Dyersburg, TN and Bruce High School where she was a majorette in the band.

In 1950, Lawrence and Lovie decided to leave Dyersburg and relocate to Chicago where most of their family lived.

Emma was baptized at an early age at Catholic Of Love Baptist Church in Chicago, where she joined the choir and sang alto with her mother.

She attended Willard and Cornell Grammar School, graduated and then attended Emil Hirsch High School. She graduated in 1959, attended Wilson Junior College, Chicago Teacher`s College, Tennessee A&E State University in Nashville, TN where she joined the choir.

Emma worked at many places. She enjoyed working mostly at the Depot Family Counseling Agency and at the medical office of Donna M. Perry, M.D.S.C. (OB-GYN) as an Office Manager (1991-2005) when she retired.

Having an upbeat personality, she got along with most people, loved dogs, loved to laugh and tell jokes. 

 Emma's earlier interests included; producing and recording songs, recording as a vocalist, managing groups or a single vocalist, owning a recording studio as well as being a radio announcer and personality for WLS in Chicago, Illinois.

Emma's earlier achievements included forming singing groups such as EME and Gerri & George. She performed in Indiana, Chicago and Wisconsin. She also passed exams and proudly earned numerous certificates and her FCC License to Broadcast.

Cherishing her memory are first cousins: The Rhea's, Dewalt's, Bells, Paraglis, Green’s, Morrison’s and Moore's. Cheri Green (cousin/friend), Lovette Colier(cousin/friend), Patricia Brooks (cousin), VeatriceBaugh (cousin/friend), Charles Rhea (cousin/friend),Sharon Alston (cousin/friend), Clarissa Cole (cousin/friend), James Crawford (cousin/friend), Steven Hobbs (cousin), Phoebe Goldsmith (friend/sis), Geraldine Clark (friend/sis), Josie Moore (friend), Dr. Dona M. Perry (MD/friend), Dr. VilayaSarma (MD/friend) and a host of family and friends.