Emma Jean Hale

Emma was born in her beloved city of Mobile, Alabama on March 16, 1943 to Mary Ann and Willard Graham. She built a beautiful life and family in her hometown and was an exemplary mother and human being. She was the definition of: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and a never-ending generosity that could be seen in her care for her entire family, friendships and countless others.

She graduated from Central High School in 1961 where she participated in hobbies such as dancing, which she loved to do. Emma worked extensively as a nursing assistant at mental health facilities in Lufkin, Texas and Mobile. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Carvers Home. There, she served as a nurse’s aide, choir member, missionary and assisted with vacation bible school.

Emma married Otis Bradford in 1968, and moved to Lufkin, Texas, where they lived until his passing in 1983. She then moved back to Mobile, and after some time, married Joe Hale.

Emma was big hearted, outgoing, comedic and radiated light. She accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms and an unforgettable smile. Emma was audacious, often exceeding the limits of what one might expect an 80-year-old to achieve.

Her departure comes as a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply in her wide-network of community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ann and Willard Graham; sisters, Etola Graham of Mobile, Alabama, Deloris Graham and Eva Marie Robinson of Detroit, Michigan; brother, Paul Edward Graham of Mobile, Alabama; niece, Jeanette Hawkins of Detroit, Michigan; best friend Johnni Mae Campbell of Mobile, Alabama.

Leaving to cherish her loving memories:

Sons, Thomas “Chris” Graham of Ponchatoula, Louisiana and Kiser Bradford of Mobile, Alabama

A brother & sister-in-law, Willard (Shirley) Graham of Lufkin, Texas

Sister & brother-in-law, Bertha (Webb) Houston of Mobile, Alabama

Grandchildren, Symone Graham of Charlotte, North Carolina and Zacharias and Thomas Graham of Lufkin, Texas

A goddaughter, Myrna Brown of Spanish Fort, Alabama

A friend, Ara Belle Walker of Mobile, Alabama

A friend, Gladys Hageon of Lufkin, Texas

And many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends