Emily Foreman

Emily Jean Foreman, affectionately known as “Ma Em” was born on October 31, 1945 to the late James and Irene Foreman. While Emily’s roots began in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, she also lived in Washington, DC; Jersey City, New Jersey, and finally settled in Landover, Maryland. She graduated from Anacostia High School in Washington DC.

She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was a member and lead singer of a gospel group. Emily was an avid prayer warrior and lifetime learner. Thirsting for higher spiritual learning, she attended United Christian School of Ministry and Washington Bible College where she became an evangelist. Her favorite scripture was Romans 14:1-2. She ministered to many people along the eastern shores of Maryland and was the founder of “Wailing Women on the Walls of Worship.” During this time, she instilled the love of God in her children and grandchildren.

Emily was a lady who wore many hats. She worked at PBS&J for many years and found her niche working in various finance/customer service positions at Darcars, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ace Check-Cashing, Employment Security Commission and Citizens Bank. She obtained her IRS Tax Certification in 2004 and was a Pastoral Counseling Volunteer at Life Care Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC. During her years of service she received awards and accolades for her achievements.

Emily had a beautiful singing voice. Her favorite song was “I Am Redeemed” which she sang often with her granddaughter Lovee. She will always be remembered for making her home your home, speaking truth to everyone she encountered, playing the piano, being a seamstress, dancing occasionally and showing off her talent as a majorette in her high school days. Back in the day—as she traveled the highways, her C.B. name was “Queen Jean” and “Silver Lady”. Her children and family loved to see her communicate on it. Her adventurous spirit and love for traveling led her to visit all 50 states and many places around the world.

Emily was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at the age of 76. She leaves to cherish her memories four children, Derek Foreman, Tonya Small, Kevin Small (Leah), Dennis Small (Danielle); ten grandchildren, Tonya Hawkins (Lovee), Kiera Small, Tavon Bailey, Tonay Murray, Anthony Murray, Diamond Butler, Kevin Small, Jr., Justin Taffie, Zoe Small, and Aneshia McIntyre; and three great-grandchildren, Tonya Small (Moochie), Joshua Johnson and Kamryn McIntyre. She is also survived by one sister, Patricia Foreman-Austin; and three brothers, Robert Thorne, Dennis Foreman and Donnie Foreman; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Emily was preceded in death by sisters Barbara Thorne, Lucy Foreman and Fern Lyons; and brothers Charlie and James Foreman.