Emma Lee O’Bannon was the youngest of 10 children, born to the union of the late Ballard Brundidge and Mary Emma Jean Patterson on June 13, 1937 in Troy Alabama. Emma departed this life due to a prolonged illness on January 9, 2021.
At birth, the family resided in Troy, Alabama, where she attended Pleasant Ridge Elementary School and Goshen Alabama High school up until the eighth grade but was unable to complete her studies due to the development of pertussis (whooping cough).
She united with the Town Creek Church of God in Christ, located in Alabama, where, as a child, she taught Sunday school at the age of 11.
In 1962 Emma moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and met,
Richard O’Bannon, and they were married on May 01, 1962. To this union, God blessed them with 3 children, James Everett O’Bannon, Kimberly Adrienne O’Bannon, and Charles Eric O’Bannon.
She then united with First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills Cincinnati Ohio in 1967. During her time at First Baptist, she served in many capacities including serving as President and member of the usher board, member of the Christian Travelers, member of The Willing Workers, and as a Missionary and member of the Sisters of Strength (all- female Ministry group).
Emma was employed with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for 35 years. She began her career in the Housekeeping department, quickly moving up in position to a Respiratory Technician. She completed her GED and was promoted to the position of Health Unit Coordinator in the ICU, under the Nursing division. She retired from this position in 1998. Emma thoroughly enjoyed traveling with her church groups both internationally and domestically, she also loved to bowl and enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for her family.
She also served as a member of the Bread of Life Ministries of the Landmark Church in Glendale Ohio, where she served the community faithfully, providing meals and clothing to those in need. She instilled her love of God and family to all who knew her.
Emma leaves to cherish many loving memories: Her children, James (Larita), Kimberly (Timothy) and Charles (Christine); grandchildren, Victoria, James, Alexis, and Justin; sister, Callie; great-grandchildren, Aria and a host of other relatives, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends; she was preceded in death by her husband Richard: Brothers, Charlie, Barney, Ballard Jr, Bennie, Joe and sisters, Sarah, and Sally.