W Emma Wills

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a new eternal body in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. ... 2 Corinthians 5:1 NLT We knew little that day that God was going to call Emma home. In life, we loved her dearly and now we still do the same. It broke our hearts to lose her. Nothing seems the same. Though the family chain is broken, it will one day link again. Today we miss her and though our hearts will never be the same, we know that we will see her again and our hearts will rejoice again. Ms. Willie Emma Wills of Washington, DC was born in Eastaboga, Alabama to the late Willie Wills, Jr. and Rosa Lee Wills. She was the fourth of seven children, Emma accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church in Eastaboga, Alabama. She continued her membership there until she moved to Washington, DC for a job opportunity. There she united with Second Baptist Church, S.W. where she was a dedicated member. Ms. Wills was educated in the Talladega County School System, attending Salem Elementary School, Ophelia S. High School, and graduating from Talladega County Training School in Talladega, Alabama. She pursued her post-secondary education at Wenonah State Junior College in Birmingham, Alabama in the field of business. She was an excellent student, resulting in an immediate job offer with the United States Department of State in Washington, DC after graduation. She moved to DC in 1969. There she worked in Foreign Services, serving as Program Services Specialist and Printing Production Coordinator with the United States Information Agency (USIA). She retired from Foreign Services in August 2005 after completing over 30 years of loyal, and meritorious service for the United States Government. Emma believed in doing the best of whatever she was involved in; thus, she did exemplary work which resulted in her receiving several awards at her job including Meritorious Honor Awards. Emma had a great sense of humor, was a fun person to be around and had an infectious smile. She liked planning menus, cooking, traveling and it was always a joy to be in her presence. She had many positive attributes and accolades, but the most important is she was a child of the Most High God! She leaves to cherish her beautiful, precious, and loving memories, three siblings Dorothy Wills of Eastaboga, AL, Marvin Wills of Eastaboga, AL, and Dr. Cornelia Wills of Nashville, TN; a lovely goddaughter, Shauntee' D. Wills of Auburn, AL; sisters-in-law Cora N. Wills of Anniston, AL and Mary S. Wills of Eastaboga, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ms. Wills was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Wills, Jr. and Rosa Lee Wills, brothers, William H. Wills (Anniston, AL), Lester Wills (Eastaboga, AL); and sister Frances Jean Wills Wall (Clarksville, TN).

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W Emma Wills

August 31, 1945 - June 4, 2024