Emma Lee Mapp went home to Glory on January 19, 2024. She joined her husband Rufus Mapp, Sr. just shy of their 59th anniversary. Waiting for her at the gates of Heaven were her parents, Robert and Margaret Blair; sisters, Bettye Woods, Sue Ann Ryan and Margie Booker; and brother William Blair.

Emma was born on June 20, 1937, the fifth of eight children, in Loudon, Tennessee.  She graduated from J. L. Cook High School in Athens, TN.  She ventured off to Springfield, Massachusetts with a sister and two cousins and there she met her life partner Rufus. They married on August 1, 1964.

Thus began her adventure of an Air Force wife.  She traveled and lived in Selfridge, Michigan; Tripoli, Libya; Columbus, Ohio; Misawa, Japan; and San Antonio, Texas, which was their last duty station prior to retirement from the military. To this union, they welcomed Patti Lynne and Rufus Jr.

They moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1979 and began civilian life.  Purchased the first of two homes and settled in.  They joined Grace First Baptist Church where she was an active member of the Usher Board.  Ever the hostess with the mostest, she enjoyed hosting regular dinners for family and friends.  She loved to cook and bake and provided dishes for showers, weddings, funerals, or whenever she was asked.  She also always set extra place settings at the dinner table just in case someone dropped in.  No one left her house without cookies, cake, or at least a Pepsi or bottled water.

Emma made sure she sent cards out to people for every occasion.  So much so that this became her ministry.  She kept up with graduations, birthdays, hospital stays, illnesses and weddings.  She blessed all in her reach.  And that reach was far!

Emma was an avid planter and gardner. She could bring any plant back to life and did.  She was very proud of her garden and flowers. While in Japan, she got reprimanded for growing corn on base housing because the stalks covered their house. She had to have fresh vegetables!

Her pride and joy was becoming a Mee-Maw.  She loved her grandsons. She spoiled them rotten and no one could make her stop, least of all her kids.  She enjoyed going to tee-ball, soccer and basketball games.  The boys could always find snacks they weren't allowed at home in Mee-Maw's kitchen. And no one could leave the house without sitting at the table and having a meal.

She was an avid L. A. Dodger fan, but that did not compare to her love of the San Antonio Spurs. She even wallpapered her garage with Spurs Newspaper articles.

Family was most important to Emma.  She made sure every summer the family made trips to Tennessee so that Patti and Rufus Jr. could be close to their grandparents and grew up with their cousins. One of her fondest memories was the Family Reunion she hosted in San Antonio.  It was a true blessing for her to have her Tennessee family come to her home in Texas.

Emma lost her love on March 12, 2023 and just ten short months later, she followed him home.  She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Patti Hardy (Mark) of Newport News, VA; son Rufus Jr. (Jamie) of Yorktown, VA; brothers, Robert Blair Jr. (Mary Jo) of Oakton, VA, Stanley Blair (Harriel) of Athens, TN; sister Joyce Fields of Loudon, TN;  grandsons, Mark Hardy II (Lili) of Linthicum, MD, Matthew Hardy of Newport News, VA, Rufus Mapp III and Jackson Mapp of Yorktown, VA; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Liberty Live Church, Hampton in the chapel.  A funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Joe Hunt officiating.  Burial will be at 10 AM on Monday, February 5, 2024 in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral  Home.