Jerlean Emerson's Obituary
Jerlean Taylor Johnson Emerson, 79 of Decatur went to be with the Lord on Sunday May, 2013 in St. Mary's Hospital.
Jerlean was born on August 28, 1933 in Brownsville, TN, the daughter of the late Rev. Allen and Louella Reed Spates. In her earlier years, she was raised by her adopted parents, the late Calvin and Ruth Taylor in Haywood County, TN.
Jerlean was employed at various companies in Decatur over the years; Lake Shore Manor, Blue Mill Restaurant, Longview Day Care, and Community Home Environmental Learning Project (C.H.E.L.P.).
Jerlean was a devoted mother of ten children who were the joy of her life. She was a member of Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur from 1976 until her death. She regularly attended Bible study and Sunday School. She served her church faithfully in many ways by teaching, driving the children, and cooking. She enjoyed going to the Y.M.C.A., Garage sales, and family gatherings.
She leaves to celebrate her life; her husband, William Charles (W.C.) Emerson; sons, Hubert Johnson, Jr. (Tonia) of Richardson, TX; Clifford Johnson and Marques Johnson of Texas; daughters, Annette Taylor Perry, Debra Johnson Reed, Luella Johnson, Erma S. Johnson, and Michelle Warnsley (Keith) all of Decatur; brothers, Peter Spates and Robert Spates of Decatur; sisters, Lena Ruth Royster (Osbourne) of Matteson; Jennie Spates-Turner of Decatur; lifelong friend, Odessa Currie; special cousin, Guster B. Latson of Decatur; close family friend, Calvin Lord; daughter-in-law, Sharon Johnson of Mesquite, TX; 19 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant son Herbert Johnson, one daughter, Kendra Desea Johnson, brother, C.T. Taylor and one grandson Tiheyon Freeman.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the YMCA, Dr. Kurt Heimbrect, and the staff of the Northeast Community Fund.
Homegoing service to celebrate Jerlean's life will be 11 AM Saturday, June 1, 2013 in The Church of The Living God (PGT) Temple #1, 1915 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Decatur, IL 62526. Visitation will be one hour prior to service in the church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family of Jerlean Taylor Johnson Emerson has entrusted the care of their loved one to Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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