Emma Jean Fairley

On Sept. 01, 2025, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother. sister, sister in law, auntie, cousin and friend, Emma Jean Fairley, departed this world at the age of 79. She passed away peacefully in Oakland, CA surrounded by Family.

Emma was the firstborn child to the late Nathaniel and Bertha Crockham, born on April 18, 1946 in Warden a small town right outside of Delhi, Louisiana. She attended and graduated from Esther Toombs High School located in Delhi, LA. She met and later united in holy matrimony with A.C. Fairley in Delhi, LA on August 21, 1966. They moved to Oakland, CA and celebrated 59 blissful years together. This union was blessed with 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. They were the center of her world, she poured her heart into making a home filled with love, traditions, and the kind of memories that will be carried on for generations.

Emma excepted Chris at a young age, and looked forward to serving the Lord. In 1967, she visited and later joined First Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church located in Oakland, CA and was an active member right up until she passed. She was a member of the choir for many years but her passion was being a dedicated member of the Usher Board where she served faithfully and was awarded Usher of the Year award in 2003. Even after her passing in September 2025, she will be appointed of an Honorary Mother of First Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.

Emma worked at Owens Illinois Glass Company for over 26 years, where she later retired. It was there where she met and formed life long friendships; with Audrey Pugh, Anne Brooks, Willie. No matter if it was at her job, church, senior center, doctor's office, community or home she left a lasting impression on everyone she met and touched.

When Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had an amazing team that entrusted her care to them.

Special thanks to Dr. Alice Rile, Monique, Marie, and Rose who cared for her for many years.

Those who knew Emma will remember her for her Exquisite style, Thanksgiving dinners showcasing her famous sweet potato pies and cornbread dressing which brought families together for over 40 plus years. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether it was her impressive style, laughter, her warm smile, or her endless ability to care for others, she left memories that will last an eternity.

She leaves behind her husband A.C.Fairley, son Alfred Fairley, daughter Angela Fairley both of Oakland, CA; grandchildren Anthony, Aaron and Austin Woods all of Oakland, CA; Alfred Fairley Jr. of Pittsburgh, CA and Ar'mani Fairley of Oakland, CA; great grandchildren Ashton Woods of Oakland, CA and Aria Fairley of Fairfield, CA three brothers Jamie Crockham of Marion, IN; Artis and Otis Crockham of Rayville, LA; one sister Marylean Davis (Melvin) of Marion, IN and a really good friend Linda Clark of Hayward, CA and a host of other relatives, friends, church family. We will forever treasure the lessons she taught and the love she gave.

She joins in heaven her dad and mom Nathaniel and Bertha Crockham, sister Virginia Banks, and brother Nathaniel Crockham Jr. We take comfort in knowing they are together again.

“She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”

A viewing for Mrs. Emma Jean Fairley will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at C. P. Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621.

A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Emma Jean Fairley will occur on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at11:00 AM at the C. P. Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621.

The internment for Mrs. Emma Jean Fairley will follow her Celebration of Life at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park, 4100 Hilltop Dr, Richmond, CA 94803.