Washington's Funeral Home

Today we celebrate the life and remembrance of EMMA LOU SALLEY BROWN. She was a loving, kind, and compassionate woman who was loved by her family, community, and by all those who knew her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Most importantly, she was a Christian. She had a strong faith in God, a steadfast prayer warrior who knew and studied the word of God. 

Emma was born to the beloved union of the late Mr. Clarence Salley, Sr., and the late Mrs. Mattie Bernice Donaldson Salley. This great birth occurred on Tuesday, April 27th, 1948, in Barnwell County, South Carolina. Emma grew up in a large loving family and was a native of Blackville, South Carolina. 

Seeking God’s direction and guidance, at an early age, Emma professed Christ as her Savior and became a baptized member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in the Lees Community of Blackville, South Carolina. Emma’s family has been a part of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for generations. 

Emma’s education was provided by teachers and mentors of the public schools of Blackville, South Carolina. She was a 1967 graduate of the former Macedonia High School, Blackville, South Carolina. She was employed for over 30 plus years at the Office of Aging (present day Generations Unlimited) where she retired. For the past few years of her life, she was employed as a Private Home Health Nurse until her untimely passing. 

In 1968, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Caldwell Brown; and together, they nurtured a beautiful family. She clothed, fed, nurtured, and loved her children unconditionally. She raised her children in a Christian home, and she showed love and kindness to everyone she met. 

Anyone who knew Emma, knew she had a love for gardening. Her green thumb and love for flowers could be seen all throughout her yard. She loved her yard and was very particular with how it looked. Emma owned the best restaurant in town (HER KITCHEN), serving delicious home-cooked meals and desserts to any and everyone who stopped by. She also enjoyed making quilts. 

Although Emma’s presence will be no more, she leaves loving memories that will remain embedded in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her. 

During the early morning hours of Friday, October 11th, 2024, the gates of Heaven opened as God dispatched his Angels to bring Emma home. God touched her heart and whispered “come to me” for you have labored enough. Emma answered God’s call and entered into eternal rest. Emma made her permanent change of address at MUSC Health, Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center in Denmark, South Carolina, at the age of 76. 

Emma was preceded in death and is now resting with: her beloved husband: Caldwell Brown; parents: Clarence and Mattie D. Salley, Sr.; paternal grandparents: Benjamin Salley and Virginia Pheonix Salley; maternal grandparents: James Donaldson, Sr. and Mary Etta Harley Donaldson; (1) daughter: Carnelle “Connie” Brown; (1) grandson: Travin M. Kearse; (1) sister: Genell Williams; and (2) brothers: Clarence Salley, Jr. and Eugene Salley. 

Those remaining to cherish fond memories are: (2) devoted daughters: Vernette (Randy) Feggans of Douglasville, Georgia and Shawnte Brown of the home; (1) loving son: Tyrone Stroman of Berlin, New Jersey; (11) grandchildren; (13) great-grandchildren; (1) one brother: James (Carolyn) Salley of Blackville, South Carolina; (4) four sisters: Mattie Snipes of Williston, South Carolina, Betty Gathers of Barnwell, South Carolina, and Margaret Tyler and Mary Salley both of Blackville, South Carolina; (8) eight sisters-in-law: Rutha Mae Watford, Joann (Chris) Izlar, Linda Brown (Derrick) and Brenda Brown all of Blackville, South Carolina, Jessie Mae Davis of Barnwell, South Carolina, Jackie (James) Chambers of Columbia, South Carolina, Shirley Hunter of Williston, South Carolina and Marion Brown of Brooklyn, New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. 

Rest in Peace, Emma, knowing that your labor has not been in vain!