Emma Jane Johnson was born on January 16, 1936, in Jonesville, Louisiana, to loving parents Eli Mays, Sr. and Mahalia Hollins Mays. She was the third of five children and was raised in a home filled with faith, love, and music. Emma was educated in the Catahoula Parish School System, where she excelled both academically and athletically as a basketball player, graduating from the Jonesville Consolidated High School (formerly Catahoula Training School) in 1955.

     Her spiritual journey began early in life at St. Mary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor G. L. Washington. It was there that her love for gospel music flourished thanks to her dad. Under the direction of her father, Eli Sr., she and her siblings joyfully practiced songs for their dad so he could teach the same songs to the church choir. Emma's most cherished memories include backyard playtime where her brother, Dave, would lead makeshift church services, assigning roles to each sibling. Emma and her brothers were the church and the choir while her sister Ernestine “Tine” was the shouting member! Her fondest and favorite memories were of riding and singing with her dad, whether on the way to church or simply enjoying Sunday drives.

     In Jonesville is where Emma met the love of her life, Harrison Johnson, Jr. Upon his return from serving in the Army and the Korean War, they were united in holy matrimony in 1959. It was in 1960 when Emma and Harrison moved to Galveston, Texas to begin their new lives and longtime residency. Their enduring love spanned over 60 beautiful years until Harrison’s passing in 2020. Together, they built a loving family of four children and created a lifetime of cherished memories.

     Upon relocating to Galveston, Texas, Emma pursued her passion for helping others. She dedicated over 35 years of service as a nurse’s assistant, first at St. Mary Hospital and then at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) System. Her compassionate care and devotion to her work touched countless lives.

     Emma’s faith remained a cornerstone of her life. She joined the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served under the leadership of Pastors P. H. Preacher, Earvin Johns, Sr., Charles E. Wheat and later, Dr. James E. Pate, Jr. Over the years, her tireless dedication to ministry included roles as director of the youth department, secretary for multiple auxiliaries: Choir No. 1, Benevolent Committee, Nurse’s Aide, Bereavement Committee and Pastor’s Aide; president of Mission No. 2, and ministry leader of her beloved Seasoned Saints. Her commitment extended beyond her church, as she also served in the South Texas District Association (STDA) for over 25 years as a member of Mission 1, past president of the Nurse’s Auxiliary, and most recently as the 2nd Vice President of the Nurse’s Auxiliary.

     Since 2010, Emma has been a dedicated member of the Grand High Court Heroines of Jericho Texas Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliate, where, until her demise, served as the Most Ancient Matron of Forever Faithful Court #66 in Galveston, Texas.

     Emma was a shining light of strength and kindness, always eager to help and brighten any room with her warm and radiant smile. To know her was to love her—she welcomed everyone with an open heart. Her faith, resilience, and deep love for her family and community will be cherished always.

     Before, during, and after her retirement, Emma found joy in traveling to church events and gatherings of the Heroines. She especially treasured the times she spent at school activities with her children and grandchildren, including her beloved twins, Khristian and Kristopher.

      At 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Emma Mays Johnson, lovingly known as "Mama, EJ, MaMa, Grandma and/or Lil Lady," peacefully slipped from time into eternity.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon (Captain) Harrison Johnson, Jr.; her parents, Eli Mays, Sr. and Mahalia Hollins Mays; her brothers, Dr. Dave Mays, Eli Mays, and John Mays, and a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

     She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Barbra Mays of Baton Rouge, LA; Gregory (Vickie) Johnson of Fresno, TX; Sharon and Michelle Johnson of Galveston, TX; nine grandchildren, Alicia Johnson, Derreck Scott, Ashley Rosette (Eric), Courtney Johnson, Khristian Johnson, Kristopher Johnson, and Darylmond Humphrey; six great-grandchildren: Malachi Johnson, John Johnson, Ni’jah Scott, Kyron Gage, Jr., Kylie Gage and Kenzlyn Johnson; her sisters, Ernestine Gilbert and Ruthie Proctor of Jonesville, LA;  Sons in Love, Dr. James E. Pate, Jr., and Dr. K. W. Tillmon; Daughter in Love, JoNell Dorise of Galveston, TX; special friends: John Humphrey, Johanna Shankle, Georgia Wooten, Josie Calvin, and Lula Birdwell. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, along with a loving church family and community.

     Emma Jane Johnson’s legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though she has gone to her eternal rest, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of the Lord" (Matthew 25:22)