Emma Lee Matlock was born April 17, 1930 in Sparkman, Arkansas. She was the second child born to Deacon Evandust and Mother Queenie Ozella Wells. She was educated in and graduated from the Sparkman Public School System. Emma began her faith walk at an early age in Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, Sparkman, Arkansas. She united in matrimony to Millard Taylor, and to this union was born three daughters (Minnie, Marilyn, Doretha) and one son (Millard). After the death of her husband, Millard, she would later marry Richard Matlock and to their union was born one daughter, Scarlett and one son, Allen.



Emma and her family relocated to Rockford in January 1959. They would become members of Saint Paul Church of God in Christ in 1960 then under the leadership of Bishop F.G. Green. She served faithfully in many choirs and was a dedicated member of the music department for many years. She also served on the Hospitality and Pastor's Aid Committees. Her faithful physical presence in the ministry was diminished by her deteriorating health, but her faithfulness to God never wavered.



She was a dedicated employee at F.W. Means Industry where she never missed a day, always on time, earning perfect attendance until the day she retired. She loved her entire family, and everyone loved her. Everyone spoiled her. She knew no strangers.



Emma was known throughout the community for her quick wit, abiding faith and culinary skills. She was also gifted with the ability to encourage others. She instilled in her children wisdom, morals and the principles of life. She touched numerous lives with her edifying words to strive on no matter how tough the situation. Visitors who came to minister to her left with uplifted spirits. She was skilled at ministry, engaging strangers and providing "a word and a blessing." Emma deeply loved, prayed and cared for her family. Her footprints will leave an indelible mark in our lives.



Remaining to celebrate Emma's life, cherish wonderful memories and abiding love are her devoted husband, Richard Matlock; her daughters, Minnie (Charles M.) Washington of Roscoe, Illinois, Marilyn (Eugene) Penix of Rockford, Illinois, Janet (Garland) Craigg of Greensboro, North Carolina and Scarlett Mannery of Smyrna, Georgia; her sons, Millard (Thelma) Taylor of Rockford, Illinois and Allen Matlock, also of Rockford; beloved son, E.J. (Luvenia) Parham of Rockford; beloved godson, Erron (Stacy) Williams of Chicago; 21 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; sisters Agnes (Franklin) of Detroit, Michigan, Cleolia (Jesse) Penix of Rockford; brothers Ozzie (Barbara) Wells of Detroit, Michigan, Charles (Bonita) Wells of Detroit, Michigan; her sister-in-laws, Pamela Wells of Detroit, Michigan, Vernice Lock, Rachel Matlock of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Eileen Jones of Princeton, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Matthew Matlock of Princeton, Arkansas; beloved niece Freddie Mae Matlock of Rockford; a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.



Predeceased by parents; grandchildren, Kralynn Washington, Baby Livingston, Hasani Hudson, Kefentse Taylor; brother, Cleodis Wells.



Our loved on will be deeply missed.

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