1922-2004

On October 18th 1922, God saw fit to bring a new spirit into the world. Emma Lou Wilson was born to Susie Moore Wilson and Lucious Wilson in Starksville, Mississippi.

She received her early education in her home state. Professing an early belief in Christ, Emma was baptized at Chapel Hill Baptist Church.

At age eighteen, she married her lifelong partner, Willie Francis King. Two years following their marriage in 1941, they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. Almost immediately thereafter, Willie was drafted into the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, the family moved north to Edwardsville, Illinois. Always professing towards a better future for their children, the Kings decided to ultimately locate to East Saint Louis, Illinois.

She served as a homemaker.  While many overlook this unappreciated profession, its importance was never lost on her heirs. She led by example, instilling the qualities in her children that made her so special; strong, warm, and giving. She was a people person who never judged anyone. She taught her family to cherish bloodlines, those by birth as well as those of the extended family.

She was a “community property” mother who served as a mother and taught to many. We never knew that we were poor, because the lessons she taught in life made us spiritually wealthy. Simply put, she was the best wife and mother anyone could have and we were blessed God chose her as the vessel to bring us forth.