Emma Graham known as Janie Mae was born on January 25, 1944 to the union of Fred and Callie Graham in Greenwood, Mississippi. Emma was the fourth child of six children. Her brothers, James and Clarence and her sister, Geneva preceded her in death.

Emma accepted Christ in her life at age 32. Emma married at age 22 and from this union, they had a daughter, Monica Lynette Greene. Emma had a head for business of catering and weddings.

Her parents preceded her in death. Her mother passed in 1985 and her father passed in 1994. Emma departed this life on October 3, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Emma leaves behind a daughter, Monica Greene; four grandchildren, one who preceded her in death, LaMonica Greene, Michael Chatman, Stephfon Greene and Stephanie Greene; great-grandchildren, Michael Steven Chatman, Dallas LaMonica Chatman, Brandon, Aunyea Brown and Shyara Whatts; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends