Emma B. Hutchins

She was preceded in death by her parents Phleet Hutchins, Sr. and Eva Seagle Hutchins; brother Phleet Hutchins, Jr.; sisters Virginia Crews, Alice Koogler, and Doris Martin. Emma is survived by her sister Carolyn Huggins (James) of Florence SC, numerous nieces and nephews; two “special daughters” Marcia Barber and Cindy Bell, and many dear friends.

Emma was born July 25, 1932 in Roanoke, Virginia and baptized December 7, 1941 at Villa Heights Baptist Church in Roanoke. Emma was a graduate of William Fleming High School and worked at the City of Roanoke Water Department prior to working as a member of the secretarial staff of Congressmen J. Edgar Chenoweth and Richard H. Poff from 1957 to 1962. She moved to Richmond and worked for First Baptist Church and VA Baptist General Board. Emma later became the Administrative Assistant to Kathryn Bullard, Executive Director - Treasurer of Women’s Missionary Union of Virginia for 15 years.

Emma and Kathryn traveled across the US, Europe, and Asia conducting conferences and prayer retreats. They also traveled throughout Virginia to raise funds to build Camp Little Crossroads, a space for individuals to experience God. Little Camp Crossroads opened debt-free in 1985 and continues to welcome hundreds of campers and thousands of retreat guests each year.

Emma was a beloved member of Gayton Baptist Church and actively involved for over 30 years

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated care team at Manorhouse Assisted Living and Memory Care for the loving care and support they provided to Emma during her time there. Also, a special thank you to the compassionate caregivers at Suncrest Hospice – Richmond who made Emma’s final days comfortable and meaningful.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be sent to Gayton Baptist Church or to your charity of choice.

Graveside service will be held at 2 pm on January 8, 2025 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke, VA.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Gayton Baptist Church at 13501 N. Gayton Road, Richmond, VA on January 16, 2025 with visitation at 10 am, service at 11am, followed by a reception and lunch.