Mary Emma Hacker

Mary Emma Purifoy Hacker, 85, of New Bern, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 11, 2021. She was a devoted and faithful wife to her beloved husband, Hurshell Hacker, Sr., for 65 years until his passing in 2019. She and Hurshell had eight children and Mary Emma was a loving and caring mother to each of them as well as wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren. Everyone was welcome in her home and no one left without a full belly, the warm embrace of her hugs, and the words, "I love you" being spoken to you from her heart. Her words were kind and gracious, never speaking a harsh word about anyone. She loved the Lord and faithfully served Him.

Mary Emma is survived by her loving family, which includes five sons, Hurshell Hacker, Jr. (Alice), Lash Hacker (Ann), Bobby Hacker (Tina), Willie Hacker (Pam), and Billy Hacker (Mary); three daughters, Sadie Bradley (Brian), Marie Favreau (Eric), and Lillie Delph (Chris); one sister, Mildred Riggs (Ernest); one brother, David Purifoy (Margie); twenty-three grandchildren and forty-eight great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, Luther Purifoy, Jr.

Mary Emma's life was a reflection of the virtuous woman spoken of in God's Word ... "Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:28-30)

Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16th at the Hacker Family Cemetery, followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. The cemetery is located in the Olympia community at 673 Bayleaf Road, New Bern.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.