On October 7, 1952, the blessing of Emma Mae Brogdon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Educated in the Philadelphia public school system Emma, received her High School Diploma later in life, surrounded by the loving support and encouragement of her family. Known for her dedication as a loving Mother and Provider, Emma was a dedicated employee at The George Washington Motor Lodge located in King of Prussia, starting out as a housekeeper, before ending her tenure there as Department Manager. In search of a change of scenery, combined with the encouragement of her sisters, Emma ventured into the field of Nursing, becoming a Personal Care Assistant. Providing care to those in need, became a passion of hers in which she thrived and excelled in for years until she retired from Temple University. Emma had a heart that knew no bounds. The minute you walked in her door, you knew you were family. Whether she was fussing at you or telling funny stories about her family, or pulling your coattail when you were wrong, you always knew you had a place in her home and in her heart. Family first, Emma lived and loved by these two simple words-family first. And when the summer time came and the good back-in-the-day block parties, some of the best food came from the middle house of 24th and Clearfield. Where Emma was concerned there were no such things as neighbors, everyone was Family. Emma was a private person, keeping her business to herself. Taking no mess from anyone, "Shotgun Emma" was a well-earned name! Yet despite the nickname, Emma was a soulful woman who loved listening to oldies whenever she was sad or cleaning up. And whenever she took a well-deserved break and hung up her Superwoman cape, she could be found giving the slot machines a run for their money at her favorite casino Bally's in Atlantic City, often accompanied by her brother Rob, her children, and even sometimes, her grands. After deciding to take an early retirement due to health-related issues, Emma leaned on her Faith, Strength, Love and the unyielding support of her children, along with of her grandchildren and they did exactly what she would have done, lovingly cared for their Matriarch, keeping her surrounded by her loved ones until her transition. Welcoming her Home are her parents, Pearl Elizabeth Brogdon, affectionately known as "Pughie" and Clarence Glasgow also known as "Peace", and her brother Jesse "Raz" Brogdon. Celebrating Her Life are her beloved and cherished sisters Bessie, Elizabeth "Maisah", Clara, Bernice and brothers Robert and Bryant Brogdon; Her dearly loved children Alethea "Lee-Lee", Carl "Shareef", Mia "Ya-Ya", and Sheenita. Carrying on the legacy that is Emma are her sixteen grandchildren: Wadia, Henry Jr, William, Kelley, Khadia, Janea', Kierra, Kristen, Malik, Anthony Jr, Tamia, Angel, Marquise, DeShawn Jr., Imere, and Malikah, as well as twenty great-grandchildren, an abundance of nieces and nephews and extended family, related or not.

Touching the hearts of every soul that was blessed to encounter her. Loving Daughter, Sister, Mother and Friend, Emma Mae Brogdon may your crown forever continue to shine. We will honor the blessing of having you in our lives, for truly you were our Queen.