Feb 3, 2022

Emma M. Haygood, 87, of Washington, passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022, in Transitions Healthcare, Washington. She was born April 1, 1934, to the late James W. and the late Gertrude Emma McNeal.

Emma’s love of people was infectious and shown by that giant smile. She was a giving homemaker and would feed anyone and send them with an extra meal to take home. Her love and kindness moved her to open her arms to others and she became a fill-in mother and grandmother to many.

Emma began singing God’s praises as a child and continued to do so throughout adulthood. She also enjoyed singing during the six years that she stayed at Transitions Healthcare. She sang at services during her membership at St. Paul AME Church, where she was recognized as a church mother and serviced in several ministries. Later in life, she joined Friendship Baptist Church, where she served in the hospitality ministry.

In addition to her parents, Emma was preceded in death by her husbands, John R. Haygood and Norman W. Williams; and siblings, James W. McNeal Jr., Thermie J. Davis, Eva Kate McCrary and Audrey Gray.

She leaves to mourn her daughters, Thermie J. (Alford Johns) McNeal of Dover, Del., and Paula A. Key of Washington; godson, Frank L.. Davis Sr. of Broken Arrow, Okla.; special daughters, who called her mama, Donna Cheesey of Canonsburg, Darlene (Larry) of Library and Linda Thomas of Washington; a special niece, who called her “Auntie Em” and took care of her for many years, Toni Fowler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends who were always special to her.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of a funeral service, Saturday, February 5, in Friendship Baptist Church, 17 E. Walnut Street, Washington. Interment will be privately held at Forest Lawn Gardens Cemetery in McMurray.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.

Professional services are under the direction of Journey of Life Funeral Home, Inc., 121 Ridge Avenue, Washington.

Condolences may be submitted through www.journeyoflifefh.com.