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Life Reflections of Mother Emily Walker Born Emma Lee (spelling was changed later to Emily), she was the eldest daughter of the late Charles and Alice Davis. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 14,1928 and peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on June 30, 2023. Emily was also precedent in death by her siblings, Dorothy, Ronald, Dolores and Allen, Sr. Emily was preceded in death by her husband Mansfield Walker, Sr. and to their union was born three children Phyllis, Mansfield, Jr. and Rebecca, and stepdaughters Francine Hickman (preceded in death) and Shirley Thompson. Emily grew up in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh where she attended Arsenal public school. At a young age Emily was baptized at Good Hope Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA. In 1994, Emily joined Second Baptist Church of McKees Rocks, under the Pastorship of Pastor Timothy Combs and then under Pastor Michael Murray, Sr. and she remained a faithful servant member till her transition from earthly labor to eternal reward. During her years there, she was an active member over the Missionary Committee, Hospitality Committee and for many years she chaired the Pastor’s Aide Anniversary Committee.  She truly loved working and supporting the church until her health prevented her from doing so. In addition, on March 30, 2014, she was bestowed the honor as Esteemed Mother of the Church. All of her life, Emily was an exceptional cook/caterer she gleaned much joy when feeding others. She truly loved for folks to eat several helpings of her food and wouldn’t take “no thank you” for an answer. She was a cook at several establishments including the Royal York Hotel and she was a retired Chef from the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel, after over 32 years of service. During her tenure at the Hilton, she also served as a Union Steward, where she tenaciously advocated for employee rights and better working conditions. Emily lived by the mantra taught to her by her mother Alice, “Good black don’t crack and only the strong survive.” Therefore, she didn’t allow her health challenges, including breast cancer to stop her from enjoying life. She used her personal experience to become very active with the Pittsburgh African American Cancer group, speaking engagements and volunteered annually for the Race for the Cure, until her health prevented her to do so. She was also featured in their 1998 Soul Survivors calendar and twice in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper. Emily had a passion for life which was evident by the numerous cruises that she enjoyed taking. She loved to travel whether by car, plane or ship. In addition, she was also known as being the life of the party, at family get-togethers or family reunions and she was always on the dance floor.  Nanna as she was affectionately called by her grands and godchildren took great joy in being in her presence.  She especially loved nurturing her two youngest great-grandsons, Amir and Jayden from the time they were born. Amir enjoyed escorting Nanna whenever she was walking, Jayden loved eating her food and snuggling with her for his naps. Both boys were her guardian angels! Emily is survived by her children, Shirley Hickman of California, Phyllis (Dan) Boulware of North Carolina, Mansfield Walker, Jr. (Elisabeth) of California, Rebecca (Kevin) Farrow of Pennsylvania; Grandchildren, Rebecca (Thomas) Woods, Belinda Diggs, Johnny Hickman, Sheila Patton,  Kevin Walker and Keelin Boulware all of California, RaLisa Lewis, Rebecca L. (Brett) Young all of Pennsylvania and RaJeanna Lewis of Washington, DC.; eight great-grandchildren Michael, Thomas III, Myesha, Brian and Tamesha all of California, Amir, Aubri and Jayden of Pennsylvania; and six great-great grands Michael Jr., Mekhi, Ryan, Braion, Logan and Beauri all of California.  Sister-in-law Hattie Fielding of Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and loving close friends. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!