At an early age, Emma joined St. John's Baptist Church of Bamberg, South Carolina. She attended Bamberg public schools and graduated in 1971. Emma later moved to New York and became employed as a mail inserter with the American Direct Mailing Company. She worked there for thirty-eight years before retiring in 2009.

Emma was an outgoing, loving, caring and kindhearted person who was affectionately known as "Aunt Emma" to not only her nieces and nephews but to their friends as well.

Emma loved shopping, cooking and hosting dinners for family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Emma is preceded in death by her parents, James and Adell Downing; her sisters, Richardson Enztminger and Janice Downing-Davis and her brother, Cornell Downing.

Emma leaves to cherish her memories three sisters, Ms. Lillie M. Dowling of Brooklyn, NY,  Ms. Brenda G. Downing and Ms. Sylvia "Ann" Downing both of Bamberg, SC; one brother, Retired Army Sergeant 1st Class James Downing Jr. of Fayetteville, NC; two aunts, Mrs. Alice Downing of Norristown, PA and Mrs. Barbara Downing of Bronx, NY;  two special cousins, Ms. Rosezena King and Patricia Samuel (who was also like her daughter) both of Brooklyn, NY and a special nephew, Jamell Kirkland of Bamberg, SC. Emma also leaves to share fond memories her close friend and traveling partner, Ms. Shirley Smart; special friends, Elder Cornell Richburg, Ms. Diane Mingo and Mrs. Gladys Salley all of Brooklyn, NY and

a host of nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, other relatives and friends who love her dearly.

Special recognition to all of her classmates from Bamberg Earnhardt High School Class of 1971.