Emma Jean Brown Rivers

Emma Jean Brown Rivers (Momma Emma, Granny, NaNa, Silver Fox), age 69, was born on April 4, 1948, in Nashville, TN to the late Charles Wilkes, Sr. and the late Gladys Priscilla Brown. She transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Emma was educated in the Davidson County School System. She attended Cameron High School. Her education also included Nashville State Community College and Draughns Junior College. She was employed by Meharry Medical College for over 20 years, where she held several positions.

Emma united with Ephesian Primitive Baptist Church where she was a member for over 30 years. At Ephesian, she was active in various capacities, but was best known for honoring God with her gift of song. At the time of her death, she was a faithful member of The Temple Church, where she continued to worship and Praise God through song as a member of the Temple Choir. Of the many songs she sang, “My Souls Been Anchored” and “Angels Watching Over Me” were a personal testimony. In 1994, through inspiration from God and with the help of family and friends, Emma completed a live recording entitled “My God is Always on Time”, produced by son-in-law, Cedric Poellnitz, Sr.

Emma was a phenomenal songstress, cook and seamstress. She was not only the mother of three, but was a mother and mentor to countless others. Emma was joined in union with Isaac Rivers, Jr.

Emma leaves to cherish her memory, three devoted daughters: LaTonja (Carl, Sr.) Coates, Angela (Cedric, Sr.) Poellnitz and Iris Rivers; Siblings: Wilma Ann French, Tonja O. Whittaker, James R. Brown, Charles Wilkes, Jr., Fredrick Wilkes, Jackie Wilkes-Dickson, and Syreeta Wilkes; Grandchildren: Renee’ Poellnitz, DaNeesha Poellnitz, Brandi Coates, Cedra Poellnitz, Jaden Foster, Carl Coates, Jr., and Cedric Poellnitz, II; Great-grandchild: Rhyan aka “Her Charming Charlie”; Nieces: Takisha Brown, Asia Brown and Ambre Brown; Nephews: Anthony Brown, William Lockridge and Joe Fitzgerald, III; great nieces and great nephews, Le'Andre, Alazae, Christopher, RoNeika, Marissa, William III, Joleah, and Brayden; Cousins: Cheryl Steele, Gregory Steele, Yvonne Brown, Belafonte’ Brown, Theresa Brown and Jackie Brown; God-Grandchildren: Shana Sutton and Damien Battle, Jr. and a host of other relatives and devoted friends.