Myrtle B. Emerson

A TIME TO BE BORNMyrtle Baptiste Emerson was born on February 15, 1923 to the late James and Alberta Baptiste. She was the only girl in a family of four boys. She was loved, protected and pampered. After a long and fruitful life, she found eternal rest on October 17, 2003.A TIME TO GROWBorn in New Orleans, Louisiana, “Sister”, as she was called, enjoyed the loving support of her parents and brothers. However, she had a special bond with her godmother, Aunt Ella. Aunt Ella continually showered her with attention, beautiful dresses, and patent leather shoes and instilled in her a sense of style and love for fashion. Myrtle took care of her appearance, loved beautiful clothes and was always well coordinated. Along with a few close girlfriends, she attended P.S. #35 and graduated with aspirations of going to college and becoming an English teacher. She later instilled her desire for higher education in her children. After years as a homemaker rearing her children, she entered the workforce; first with the city school system and later with the Social Security Administration. She retired from SSA in 1985. She traveled extensively with the Soul Journey Travel Club and was a founding member of the Magnificent Ladies Social Club. She was a member of the Toastmasters of America, active at the Waxter Center and a member of the GEMS Senior Ministry.A TIME TO LOVEDuring a trip to Baltimore to visit her cousin June, she met Benjamin Emerson. He was a native of North Carolina and recently discharged from the Army. He was handsome and ready to settle down. He was fascinated by this “exotic lady from New Orleans.” They immediately fell in love. They were married on Easter Sunday in 1946 and reared their six children in their little house on Presbury Street. They shared their love and forged a strong partnership. If Ben was the general, Myrtle was his able lieutenant. They made decisions together. After 33 years of marriage he preceded her in death in 1979. An excellent cook, she nourished her family with New Orleans Cajun Cuisine and was especially known for her homemade hot rolls, lemon pound cake and sticky buns. She loved her sons unconditionally, and groomed her girls to be proud, strong, independent women. She cherished her granddaughters and identified the special gifts in each one. She adopted numerous co-workers, neighbors, relatives, friends and their children sharing her special brand of wit and wisdom. She loved to laugh with you and with love she would say exactly how she felt. She always said what was on her mind.A TIME TO SERVEMyrtle joined Mount Moriah Baptist Church nearly 40 years ago. She instilled her deep faith and penchant for service in her children. She attended Bible study and prayer meetings. She was a faithful member of the Adult Sunday School Class Number 2. She started each day at 6:00 a.m. with a telephone prayer with her prayer partners. Myrtle loved public speaking and with her Toast Master’s training was a fixture on church programs. Whether she was bringing greetings, welcoming visitors, or introducing the guest speaker, she would spend hours on her presentations. She made sure that each word or phrase was perfect. As a member of the Senior Courtesy Guild she welcomed visitors on Sundays and contributed to their anniversary program each year. She enjoyed the activities of the senior ministry, the GEMS. She attended their day trips, participated in their dramatic presentations, crafts and exercise classes. Myrtle loved the Lord. She was a faithful, hard worker in her church.A SPECIAL GIFTMyrtle’s special gift was a sincere heart and an ability to accept others unconditionally. Her spirit exemplified Agape love. Numerous friends and neighbors thought of her as their adopted mother. Many were touched by her kindness, humor and warmth. She fed, nurtured and encouraged everyone that she met.A TIME TO MOURNMyrtle leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: six children, Ronald, Sybil, Gayle, Dwight, Cheryl and Patrice; five granddaughters, Tynisha, LaToya, Ashley, Erin, and Cameron; one son-in-law Arthur Woodard; special family members Frank Murray and Marlon McMillan; one sister-in-law Ruth Baptiste; “adopted daughter Shirley Woodard and grandson John Woodard"; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Myrtle B. Emerson

February 15, 1923 - October 17, 2003