shirley anne bullockFebruary 23, 1935 - November 15, 1982
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Emma with her and Shirley's grandkids, Brittanie and Tiffanie; and Shirley's grand children, Malika and Aasim.
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emma lenora wilsonSeptember 15, 1924 - November 14, 1992
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In september of 1979, Emma, Shirley, and nine other family members -
including some of their adult kids — Shirley’s son Robert Tracy, Shirley’s daughter Valerie who was married to Emma’s son, Skip, Valerie and Skip’s daughter Tiffanie, Emma’s oldest granddaughter Charisse, and Shirley’s sister Charlotte with her kids, Donnel, Kim, and Demetrius moved from Cleveland, Ohio to San Antonio, Texas to begin anew and raise their families. Having been to Texas once for a family funeral, Skip and Valerie thought it best to move to a slower-paced environment to raise their new born. Emma, Shirley, and the close-knit family, not wanting to be separated, all soon joined the impromptu family migration.
A sweet southern Texas girl, Emma Lanora Smith Wilson was born to Cunnie and Gussie Smith on September 15, 1924 in Madisonville, Texas. Emma had five brothers and sisters (John, Comido Lafayette, Cunnie Mae, Valeria, and Thomacacy) who she cherished greatly. Emma was very quiet, respectful, and somewhat soft-spoken, except around her sisters and brothers, and she carried that same poised demeanor into adulthood.
Emma married Cleveland C. Wilson and moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she began her greatest treasure of being a mother to her three children, Don, Cheryl, and Cleveland (Skip). Don now has three children Donovan, Cecelia, and Emma. Cheryl has one daughter, Charisse (who Emma raised), and Skip has two daughters, Tiffanie and Brittanie, and four grandchildren, Raina, Brooklynn, Robert, and Braeden. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are Emma’s living legacy. No-one could refute the great love she had for her family. A woman that raised her children with unconditional affection and care, Emma had a heart of gold and loved everyone. She welcomed family, friends and neighbors into her home and would feed them as if they were her own children. An impressive cook and baker, Emma would often leave the warm smells of her pound cake, lemon meringue and sweet potato pies in her home and in the hearts of those she encountered.
Emma - strong, loving, unwavering, and talented, experienced both the beauty and pain of love. Emma was the type of woman that the moment you saw her you were drawn to her inner spirit. She was beautiful inside and out. You could feel the warmth of her soul and kind-hearted spirit just by looking at her. Outside, her flawless skin and stunning beauty was equally matched with a unique and sophisticated style that no one could duplicate. You could tell she was a Woman of God and loved serving the Lord just by the way she carried herself. You would find her at church on Sunday, Wednesday and throughout the week, wearing the beautiful handmade dress or suit that she just made (possibly a few hours ago) with the matching purse, hat and shoes. She had a graceful elegance and everyone knew it! Serving as a long-time Sunday School Teacher, Emma enjoyed teaching the importance of studying God's Word and trusting in Him.
Well versed in many fields, including as a hairdresser, Emma gave herself professionally as a seamstress, designing and making beautiful garments and handmade clothing for all she knew. She was hired and always in demand by larger retail stores, including Sears and Bealls, to design and make their clothes. Her greatest passion, however, was sharing her talent with her family and those in need. She was often related to the biblical woman Dorcas, who was full of good works and made clothing for the poor. The Bible continues the story, saying that when Dorcas was sick and died, all the widows stood by weeping and showing the coats and garments in which Dorcas made while with them. Emma left her inspirational legacy behind on November 14, 1992, at the age of 78, to all those who greatly loved and cherished her.
Back in the early 1970's, as their children Skip and Valerie built their young life together, Emma and Shirley became and remained friends.
A full, eventful and successful life jam-packed into 47 years is the remarkable story of Shirley Anne Stone Bullock. Born February 23, 1935 in Richmond, Indiana to Virgil E. Stone and Helen Elizabeth Mitchell Stone, Shirley was the oldest sibling of five children (Norma Jean, Charlotte Esther, Virgil, and Michael Duane). Naturally independent, Shirley quickly grew strong and wise as a helpful daughter, protective big sister, and a devoted and loving mother by the age of 17, when she gave birth to her first child Deborah Lynn. Five years later came her daughter, Valerie Jean at the age of 22, and then her baby boy, Robert Tracy at 27. Deborah now has five children, Malika, Aasim, Rashad, Ishmael, and Aliyah, and five grandchildren, Jullian, Juvion, Jumier, Jaliyah, and Skylar. Valerie has two daughters, Tiffanie and Brittanie and four grandchilden, Raina, Brooklynn, Robert, III, and Braeden. And Robert Tracy has two children Tracy, Jr. and Monique and three grandchildren, Tharon, Alirick, and Elizabeth.
As a single young mother, wise and cultured beyond her years, Shirley worked hard early on as a bartender and then at a bookstore, affording her the opportunity to purchase a three story home in the white suburbs of Shaker Heights, Ohio for her and her children. Not fully realizing the magnitude of such an accomplishment, Shirley raised her children to be well-rounded and versed individuals. They always loved going to the bookstore with their Mama! Shirley's home was always full of love and very often full of nieces, nephews, and cousins dancing to her favorite Motown music, mixed in with the sounds of Nancy Wilson, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra. Although not a savvy dancer or singer herself, there were always family dance-offs and good times within the household. Believing in a clean home and doing things decently and in order, Shirley raised her children to be reasoned self-thinkers, allowing room for choices to be made, and that "power of choice" is something passed on to Shirley's grandchildren and great grandchildren even today.
Intentionally living a life free from self-inflicted 'drama', Shirley indeed experienced heartbreak and disappointment. Never complaining, Shirley carried her strong and independent demeanor with her as she set out on her new venture to open a successful, self-owned Crochet, Macrame & Craft store. A natural leader and entrepreneur, Shirley wasn't loud-spoken, however she spoke sternly with her words very pronounced and deliberate in speech. You never asked her for 'something to do' because she would easily put you to work. You would also often find her laughing at corny and wise jokes, that not too many others found amusing. Although frequently around people, she could easily be considered a self-motivated loner, always on a mission. She was a beautifully poised woman, meticulous in style, dress, and appearance, commanding respect just by her presence. Always noticed in a room, Shirley's beautiful smile and big white teeth were always sure to compliment her generous personality.
Giving her life fully to Christ on March 18. 1979, Shirley became an ardent Biblical Scholar. Turning her garage into an impressive study room, she spent the next few years profusely researching and completing the entire genealogy of the Bible. Falling in love with Jesus and her grandchildren became her new life passion, until her unexpected passing, at the age of 47, on November 15, 1982 in San Antonio, Texas.
Mentioned family members of Emma and Shirley that have deceased: Charlotte, Cunnie and Gussie Smith, John, Comido Lafayette, Cunnie Mae, Valeria, Thomacacy, Don, Cheryl, and Rashad.
A sweet southern Texas girl, Emma Lanora Smith Wilson was born to Cunnie and Gussie Smith on September 15, 1924 in Madisonville, Texas. Emma had five brothers and sisters (John, Comido Lafayette, Cunnie Mae, Valeria, and Thomacacy) who she cherished greatly. Emma was very quiet, respectful, and somewhat soft-spoken, except around her sisters and brothers, and she carried that same poised demeanor into adulthood.
Emma married Cleveland C. Wilson and moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she began her greatest treasure of being a mother to her three children, Don, Cheryl, and Cleveland (Skip). Don now has three children Donovan, Cecelia, and Emma. Cheryl has one daughter, Charisse (who Emma raised), and Skip has two daughters, Tiffanie and Brittanie, and four grandchildren, Raina, Brooklynn, Robert, and Braeden. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are Emma’s living legacy. No-one could refute the great love she had for her family. A woman that raised her children with unconditional affection and care, Emma had a heart of gold and loved everyone. She welcomed family, friends and neighbors into her home and would feed them as if they were her own children. An impressive cook and baker, Emma would often leave the warm smells of her pound cake, lemon meringue and sweet potato pies in her home and in the hearts of those she encountered.
Emma - strong, loving, unwavering, and talented, experienced both the beauty and pain of love. Emma was the type of woman that the moment you saw her you were drawn to her inner spirit. She was beautiful inside and out. You could feel the warmth of her soul and kind-hearted spirit just by looking at her. Outside, her flawless skin and stunning beauty was equally matched with a unique and sophisticated style that no one could duplicate. You could tell she was a Woman of God and loved serving the Lord just by the way she carried herself. You would find her at church on Sunday, Wednesday and throughout the week, wearing the beautiful handmade dress or suit that she just made (possibly a few hours ago) with the matching purse, hat and shoes. She had a graceful elegance and everyone knew it! Serving as a long-time Sunday School Teacher, Emma enjoyed teaching the importance of studying God's Word and trusting in Him.
Well versed in many fields, including as a hairdresser, Emma gave herself professionally as a seamstress, designing and making beautiful garments and handmade clothing for all she knew. She was hired and always in demand by larger retail stores, including Sears and Bealls, to design and make their clothes. Her greatest passion, however, was sharing her talent with her family and those in need. She was often related to the biblical woman Dorcas, who was full of good works and made clothing for the poor. The Bible continues the story, saying that when Dorcas was sick and died, all the widows stood by weeping and showing the coats and garments in which Dorcas made while with them. Emma left her inspirational legacy behind on November 14, 1992, at the age of 78, to all those who greatly loved and cherished her.
Back in the early 1970's, as their children Skip and Valerie built their young life together, Emma and Shirley became and remained friends.
A full, eventful and successful life jam-packed into 47 years is the remarkable story of Shirley Anne Stone Bullock. Born February 23, 1935 in Richmond, Indiana to Virgil E. Stone and Helen Elizabeth Mitchell Stone, Shirley was the oldest sibling of five children (Norma Jean, Charlotte Esther, Virgil, and Michael Duane). Naturally independent, Shirley quickly grew strong and wise as a helpful daughter, protective big sister, and a devoted and loving mother by the age of 17, when she gave birth to her first child Deborah Lynn. Five years later came her daughter, Valerie Jean at the age of 22, and then her baby boy, Robert Tracy at 27. Deborah now has five children, Malika, Aasim, Rashad, Ishmael, and Aliyah, and five grandchildren, Jullian, Juvion, Jumier, Jaliyah, and Skylar. Valerie has two daughters, Tiffanie and Brittanie and four grandchilden, Raina, Brooklynn, Robert, III, and Braeden. And Robert Tracy has two children Tracy, Jr. and Monique and three grandchildren, Tharon, Alirick, and Elizabeth.
As a single young mother, wise and cultured beyond her years, Shirley worked hard early on as a bartender and then at a bookstore, affording her the opportunity to purchase a three story home in the white suburbs of Shaker Heights, Ohio for her and her children. Not fully realizing the magnitude of such an accomplishment, Shirley raised her children to be well-rounded and versed individuals. They always loved going to the bookstore with their Mama! Shirley's home was always full of love and very often full of nieces, nephews, and cousins dancing to her favorite Motown music, mixed in with the sounds of Nancy Wilson, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra. Although not a savvy dancer or singer herself, there were always family dance-offs and good times within the household. Believing in a clean home and doing things decently and in order, Shirley raised her children to be reasoned self-thinkers, allowing room for choices to be made, and that "power of choice" is something passed on to Shirley's grandchildren and great grandchildren even today.
Intentionally living a life free from self-inflicted 'drama', Shirley indeed experienced heartbreak and disappointment. Never complaining, Shirley carried her strong and independent demeanor with her as she set out on her new venture to open a successful, self-owned Crochet, Macrame & Craft store. A natural leader and entrepreneur, Shirley wasn't loud-spoken, however she spoke sternly with her words very pronounced and deliberate in speech. You never asked her for 'something to do' because she would easily put you to work. You would also often find her laughing at corny and wise jokes, that not too many others found amusing. Although frequently around people, she could easily be considered a self-motivated loner, always on a mission. She was a beautifully poised woman, meticulous in style, dress, and appearance, commanding respect just by her presence. Always noticed in a room, Shirley's beautiful smile and big white teeth were always sure to compliment her generous personality.
Giving her life fully to Christ on March 18. 1979, Shirley became an ardent Biblical Scholar. Turning her garage into an impressive study room, she spent the next few years profusely researching and completing the entire genealogy of the Bible. Falling in love with Jesus and her grandchildren became her new life passion, until her unexpected passing, at the age of 47, on November 15, 1982 in San Antonio, Texas.
Mentioned family members of Emma and Shirley that have deceased: Charlotte, Cunnie and Gussie Smith, John, Comido Lafayette, Cunnie Mae, Valeria, Thomacacy, Don, Cheryl, and Rashad.
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Emma Wilson and Shirley Bullock are the main characters woven within The Emma Shirlae Collection and their life long testimonies of triumph, love, and strength are inspiration for each creative piece. Throughout our Collection you will not only see their stories, but also that of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
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1. Shirley on Lee Road in Cleveland, Ohio
2. Shirley's crochet, macrame & craft store 3. Emma teaching a sewing class in 1973 4. Valerie (right) dancing in her mother, Shirley's home with cousin, Denise |
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5. Emma's oldest grand, Charisse, with Shirley's nephew, Demetrius, who is Charlotte's youngest
6. (L-R) Emma with her siblings, Comido, Valeria, and John 7. (R-L) Shirley with her sisters Norma Jean and Charlotte |