Emma Pearl Howard (Crum), born February 11, 1943, made her transition from life into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Walter Crum, Sr. and Emma (Young) Crum. The family moved to Albion, Michigan when Emma was just an infant. Emma grew up and attended school in Albion. She graduated from Washington Gardner High School and is a proud member of the Class of 1961.
As an adult, Emma moved to Cleveland Ohio where she resided for many years. Emma’s sweet, caring, and infectious personality easily allowed her to make many friends in Cleveland. While in Cleveland, she worked as an Office Assistant in the Records Department of the local hospital. She also met and married the late James “Duke” Howard in Cleveland. She was a dedicated wife until his death. Emma was also a faithful daughter. After several years in Cleveland, Emma returned to Albion to take care of her dad when his health began to fail.
Emma loved the Lord. She surrendered her life to Him at an early age. She united with Lewis Chapel AME Church where she served as a faithful member until her health wouldn’t allow her to attend any longer.
Emma loved her family and especially enjoyed attending family gatherings. Emma also loved her Albion community and found joy as a volunteer. She served her community by helping with AIM, City Elections, and taking tickets at the Albion High School basketball events, to name a few.
Emma leaves to cherish her memory: Sister-in-law; Ruby Crum of Albion, (5) nephews; Durant (Karen) Crum and Todd Crum of Albion, Jerry (Lexava) Smith of Lansing, Derrick (Kelly) Crum of Jackson, Bruce (Karen) Crum of San Antionio, TX, (3) great-nephews; Durant II (Amy), Bruce, Jr., and Darius, (7) great-nieces; Kyra, Kristen, Katiya, and Keanna Crum, Janell and Alexius Smith, and Alexis Bennett, a host of cousins, and special God Sisters; Sheila Dunklin and Diane Vines.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents; Walter, Sr. and Emma, husband; Janes Howard, (5) brothers; Robert, Willie, Walter, Jr., Tom, and Eric, special niece; LeAnn Johnson (Crum) and nephew; Montel Smith.
Visitation will take place on Friday, June 14, 2023 from 5-7PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion. A family hour for Emma will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace Temple COGIC. A going home celebration will start at 12:00 PM, 711 Grace St, Albion, MI officiated by Pastor Steven C. Williams. She will be laid to rest at Albion Memory Gardens, Albion, MI.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com for the Howard family.
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