The Life of Emma Marjorie Sykes Ransom, 83

It was a cold day outside (37 degrees as a matter of fact) eighty-three years ago, when our grandmother Mary Alice gifted our grandfather George with a warm bundle of joy. Their bundle of joy grew into a sophisticated young lady, who later envolved into a virtuous woman of God. This jewel whom we speak of is none other than our Mother, Mrs. Emma Sykes Ransom.

Ironically, it was 30 plus degrees when she entered into this world, and it was 30 plus degrees when she slippped away from us to enter into her heavenly home on, November 13, 2013, at approximately 5:15 a.m.

Mama, or Ms. Emma, as she was affectionately called, lived a full and productive life. Growing up in the South, she began a life of hard and diligent work in the cotton fields of the Occoneechee Neck. Mama worked from the cotton fields to domestic employment, the saw mills, and later to receiving pay for what she loved best...cooking.

She was a birth Mother to nine and an "adopted mother" to many. The white house on the corner was always full of neighborhood children; children whom Ms. Emma held dear to her heart. Mama loved visits from old friends and she expecially loved visits from her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Ms. Emma received her education at Ransom Elementary and Northampton County Training School. Although she left school before graduating, she aspired as a student of life.

Cupid shot his arrow sometime prior to 1950, which led Joe to become smitten with Emma and the two became as one on February 4, 1950. To this union, nine children were born. Ms. Emma's first born; Benjamin Sykes Ransom preceded her in death on October 5, 1992. The love of her life our father, Joseph preceded her in death on August 3, 2006. One of Ms. Emms's grandsons: Walter Daniel, Jr. preceded her in death on February 28, 2008; her son-in-law: Nathan Johnson also preceded her in death on August 21, 2004.

Ms. Emma leaves to cherish her memories: her children: Gwendolyn Daniel and husband Walter of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Cynthia Peterson and husband Marvin of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Joseph S. Ransom of the home, Earl Ransom and wife Michelle of Pleasant Hill, NC, Bishop Curtis Ransom of Garysburg, NC, Doris Johnson of Greensboro, NC, Jerome Ransom and wife Trina of Indianapolis, IN, Angela Ransom of Roanoke Rapids, NC and Robert Ransom and wife Angela or Roanoke Rapids, NC; Ms. Emma was blessed with twenty grandchildren: Sheila Tyler, Tevin Peterson, Telisa, Kiva, and Krystal Ransom, Nakia Bunn, Latrezia Grant, Joy Evans, Shantee', Sade', and Nathan Johnson, Jr., Shavonda Simmons, Lonnie, Derreous and Whitney Moody, Renshella Moody, Arriel and Mack Mallory, Jr., nineteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Ms. Emma, as she was affectionately called, is survived by one brother: George Sykes, Sr. of Newark, NJ and a sister-in-law: Josephine Lockhart of Philadelphia, PA, two brothers: Napoleon Sykes and Joseph Sweat and a sister: Carrie Fletcher all preceded her in death. Four sisters-in-law: Emma Jones, Martha Sweat, Juanita Brown, Jeanette Sykes and four brothers-in-law: Boston, Roger, Ned and Wilkin all also preceded her in death.

Funeral Arrangements for Mother Emma Marjorie Sykes Ransom, 83, of 101 Washington St. Garysburg, NC, who expired in the comfort of her home surrounded by her love ones, will be held Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Evangelistic Church of Deliverance-Chapel, 2nd Street, Weldon, NC.

Her son Bishop Curtis Ransom will deliver the Eulogy, where Bishop William H. Cheek, Sr. is Pastor and Senior Presiding Prelate.

Burial will follow in Roanoke Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Jackson, NC.

An immediately private family viewing will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel and a public viewing will follow from 1 to 7 p.m.

Mother Emma Marjorie Sykes Ransom is resting in the comfort of Coleman Funeral Home....Because we care...