Biography: Emma Elizabeth Wills Franklin was the second child born to James and Lille Hannis Willis on September 11, 1917 at 224 Arnold Street in Savannah, Georgia. She was educated at the local schools of Savannah, Georgia and was a former member of St. James AME church.

Upon moving to the Bronx, New York Emma transferred her membership to First Bethel Ame church where she served faithfully and most diligently as a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Emma was married to Claude Franklin and to this union, one child was born Mildred Renne Franklin who was the love of their lives. Mildred  preceded her in death. However, he paved the way to ensure that Emma would be taken care of. The Bible says “ Honor your Father and Mother, so that you may live long in the land your God is giving you “This was the commandment that Emma certainly obeyed because she lived to be 100 years old and 9 months.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents and all her: G Lillie B. Willis, Willie Mae Willis Shellman, Mamie Louise Willis Washington, Bernice Willis Barnes, Marguerite Willis Spruill and James Willis Jr.

She leaves to mourn her only niece Janice Willis Stevenson(Presiding Elder Dan Stevenson), one Grandniece, Vida HillStephens( Jesse), one Grand Nephew Vincent Hill(Kelli), two Great Grandnephews, James W. Stephens and lan J.Hill, Cousin Lorenzo Horne, adopted Granson, Mr. Roland Sealy. Her special and dearest friends include Mrs. Shirley Dopson (Warren), Ms.Linda Carol(Overstreet), Ms.Lavonnie Brinkley, Irene Carter, host of other friends and church members of Bethel Ame Church