Emma Bobo was born on May 12, 1929 in Blytheville, AR to the union of John Scales and Marvella McCoy. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. She moved to East St. Louis in the 70's. She united with St. John Baptist Church. She united in wedlock in her early teens.

Emma departed this life on May 29, 2020. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her son Freddie Bobo; daughters Brenda Bobo, Jaurel Bobo, Joyce Bobo, and Angela McKnuckles; her siblings Velma Riley, Charles Harper, and Harry Harper, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.