Emma married Jerome D. Smith on May 21, 1955. Emma was a member of Cahokia United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents Cecil Tate and Pearl Tate Copeland (nee Yarborough); daughter, Cheryl Hermann; and sisters, Gwen Strange, Eloise Anderson, and Gracie Bernardo.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jerome D. Smith; daughter, Robin (Michael) Towler; grandchildren; Bryon Branson, Sarah Schultz, Christopher Branson; great grandchildren; Kaylee, Savannah, Abbigail, Hayden, Wyatt, Haley, Hannah, Heidi, Sammuel and Kyla; brother, John Tate, and half-sister, Gay Franks. Emma was an aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Additional condolences may be offered online at ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com
Visitation: Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service, Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL. 62223.
Funeral: Graveside Services will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL. 62223. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.