Emily Littlejohn Israel

A native of Spartanburg, she graduated from Spartanburg High, Converse College, and took graduate classes in art history at the University of South Carolina. In her twenties, she taught middle and high school math.

Emily was the protector, guide, nurturer, and rock of her family. She had a wonderful 64-year marriage to Charles Israel. With her wisdom and a huge heart, she took care of all of us.

Emily’s love of art revealed itself in her decorating, gardening, docenting, and clothing. Her home expressed her love of traditional decor, antique furniture and modern art. Her house stood as an eclectic mix of original art on the walls, hardwood floors that she painted a beautiful blue, collectible dishes on display, plus pencil-post beds, wingback chairs, and a white, curvy loveseat.

Emily's garden mirrored her house. With her artistic eye, she arranged her flower beds and shrubs (azaleas, pansies, roses, camellias), placed a few small statues throughout, secured a few old windows to the back brick wall (a true Emily touch) and made sure there were plenty of places for people to relax and ruminate. And she didn't just have the vision. She liked getting her hands dirty.

In her lifelong affection for art, Emily served as a docent at the Columbia Museum of Art for the last 35 years, delighting both groups and individuals. To take a tour with Emily was to see and hear her intelligence and enthusiasm. A born teacher, she helped people to better understand the importance of African-American art, for example. Also, she encouraged people to see how portraits revealed the subject, the painter, and us, the viewer.

Emily believed in sustainability before sustainability became a trend. She recycled dishes, glasses, books, and collectibles. For 30 years, she kept a booth at Old Mill Antique Mall in West Columbia.

Emily loved a good party, and she knew how to throw one. She hosted many outdoor mint julep parties, ones with light snacks and her sterling silver tumblers, beading with condensation. At dinner parties and tea parties, she enjoyed rich conversations. Her sense of color and her personal flair came out in her party clothes, and in all her clothes. If you’ve been to one of Emily’s parties, you can still hear her great laugh.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Israel, Sr., son, Charles Israel, Jr.; daughter, Laurie Israel; granddaughter, Elizabeth Israel; brother, Lonnie Littlejohn; son-in-law, Mark Burell; daughter-in-law, Leslie McCray; and many nieces and nephews. She was the daughter of Herbert Thomas Littlejohn and Naomi Smith Littlejohn of Spartanburg.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with a reception following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emily Israel's name to the Columbia Museum of Art, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Converse University.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.