Emma Marie Darough, born on August 19, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, on May 5, 2026.

Emma entered the world at Homer G. Phillips Hospital and grew up in Golden Garden, Illinois, where she attended East St. Louis Senior High School. There, she shined as a talented flutist and a skilled softball player. Even as a young girl, Emma was a natural homesteader -- hardworking, capable, and deeply involved in her family's livestock and farming business. She was a go-getter from the very beginning.

In 1973, Emma married the love of her life, Homer "Skip" Darough (who preceded her in death in 2009). Together, they built a life rich in family, fellowship, devotion, faith, and unwavering dedication. Their home was a place of warmth, laughter, and open-door hospitality -- a space where everyone felt welcome.

Emma pursued her passion for beauty and care, earning her cosmetology degree from Debbie's School of Beauty Culture in East St. Louis in 1980. Over the years, she became a respected consignment merchant, a devoted homemaker, and a woman whose faith guided every step she took.

She was known for her extraordinary cooking -- signature dishes so good you'd crave her version over anyone else's Emma and her ever-comedic husband shared a love for wrestling drama, cooking, traveling, casino leisure, and creating a home where imagination and creativity were always encouraged.

Her spiritual foundation was strong and lifelong. As a child, she worshipped at Howard Temple Church of God In Christ in Rush City, IL, under the loving guidance of her godparents, Pastor Shelly and Mother Howard. In midlife, she served faithfully at Elder Jordan Church of God In Christ in Golden Garden, IL, and most recent years, Canaan Galilee Baptist Church. Emma's faith was not just something she practiced -- it was something she lived.

Emma was a pilar of strength. She survived cancer, proudly ringing the bell on June 9, 2018, and overcame numerous strokes and heart conditions. She was a fighter, a survivor, and a beacon of resilience to all who knew her.

A strong leader, Emma worked as a manager at Rally's for over 13 years and served proudly as a certified election judge in St. Clair County.

Emma was born to Lue Ella McDowell (Crawford-Egerson) and James Smith Jr. , both of whom preceded her in death. She was the sixth of ten children: Shirley Grady (preceded her in death), Annie Crawford, Earlene Bibbs, Robert Crawford (Gale) (both preceded her in death), Elaine Washington (Cary) , both preceded her in death, Valerie Egerson (preceded her in death), Vivian Lane, Tyzer Egerson, Ella Egerson , and Ricky Egerson (Kareen).

She is survived by her six children, Antonio, Carlos (Lanelle), Don Juan (Danielle), Sorrell, Jasmine, and LaTisha , along with a pride of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry her legacy forward for generations.

Emma's life was a testament to faith, profound resilience, and unbreakable strength. Her legacy of courage, leadership, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.