Emma Louise (Lea) Ingram

Emma Louise Lea Ingram, age 103, departed this life on March 4, 2025. Born on
August 4, 1921, in Yanceyville, North Carolina, was the beloved daughter and
oldest child of the late Roy “Tebie” Lea and Mary Sue Lea. Emma’s younger sister
Mary Alice Lea King resides in Plainfield New Jersey and her brother the late
Houston Gwen Lea preceded her in death.

At the age of 13 years old she became a member of Pearson Chapel AME church
and loved being a member of her church whether near or far for 90 years. Emma
graduated from Caswell County Training School, Class of 1941.

In 1948 she relocated to the Motor City, Detroit Michigan. There she met and
married Johnny Melvin Ingram. Emma has always been fascinated and loved the
fashion world. While in Detroit Emma’s passion for fashion was nourished. Emma
and Melvin enjoyed everything Detroit had to offer; they had the time of their
lives. Emma and Melvin shared 21 years of marriage before his passing.

Emma returned to Yanceyville, North Carolina in 1973. She found great pleasure
in reconnecting with old friends, making new friends, traveling and spending time
with her family. She became a constant support to her mother and Uncle Ned Lea.
Emma was not only a cousin but often referred to as “Big Sis”.

Emma was known for her great cooking and hospitality. Her home was filled with plants as she had
an amazing green thumb. She loved having pets. Her favorite dog that traveled
with her from Detroit to North Carolina was Cody aka as Coco. She would feed all
the neighborhood cats but there was only one that she would let come in and
that was Miss Kitty Grey. Monday through Friday you knew when not to disturb
her as she watched her soap operas. On Saturdays everyone knew she could be
found in Danville shopping and then watching western movies or listening to her
favorite music.

In 1988 she relocated to Plainfield, New Jersey and lived with her sister Mary Alice
Lea King and family until her passing. Emma will be deeply missed by her family
and friends. If you had the blessing of having Emma as a friend, you know that
you had a friend for life. She was a cherished aunt, great aunt, niece, cousin and
friend to many.

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