Emma S. Rainey

Emma S. Rainey was born January 7, 1923, in Wilcox County to the union of the late Darius Henry and Mamie Bell (Stevenson) Simmons in Camden, Alabama. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and joined St. James A.M.E. Church in Camden, Alabama.

Sister Rainey was educated in the Wilcox County School System at Camden Academy School (grades 1-12). After graduating in 1941, she worked the first semester for tuition money to enter Alabama State College. She saved $13.00 and began the second semester of 1942. Tuition at that time was $26.50 a quarter. Her major was Elementary Education with History as her minor.

Because of expenses, her education was interrupted. She was hired in the Wilcox County School at Gees Bend School (now Boykins, Alabama). From 1943-1945 she worked as a teacher/assistant principal.

In 1945, she married Will Williams and one child, Jerilyn, was born to this union. She moved to Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, she worked at the Cook County Hospital in the Maternity Ward. While working, she enrolled at Peter Cortez Business College, studying secretarial skills and shorthand.

After the passing of her husband in 1948, she returned to Camden, Alabama. From 1949-1950 she taught at the Ashland Elementary School in Coy, Alabama. From 1950-1953, she taught in the Marengo County School System at the Thomaston Institute. While teaching, she completed her education and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Alabama State College in 1951. She also did further studies at University of South Alabama to enhance her professional skills and techniques.

In 1953, she married Elder Walter D. Rainey Sr. and moved to Mobile, Alabama. To this union five sons were born. Before returning to teaching, she was a dedicated homemaker and mother. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband/pastor at the Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church in various capacities, including serving as church secretary for over 20 years, Youth Department Advisor and Women’s Ministry Coordinator.

In 1965, she began her teaching career in Mobile County. She taught at Belsaw Elementary School in Mt. Vernon, AL, Gorgas Elementary School, Mobile, AL, and Chickasaw Elementary School, Chickasaw, AL. During her 14 year tenure at Chickasaw Elementary School, she was named Teacher of the Year. She retired from the Mobile County School System in 1984.

Later in life, she returned to her A.M.E. roots, joining the Samuel Chapel A. M. E. Church with her mother and sister. At Samuel Chapel, she served faithfully on the Stewardess Board and as a member of the Missionary Society (seven years as president) until her health failed.

Sister Rainey transitioned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. She is preceded in death by her oldest son, Walter Daniel Rainey, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Jerilyn Gurley of Detroit, MI, Russell Rainey of Atlanta, GA, Elder Timothy (Gloria) Rainey of Huntsville, AL, George (Fayette) Rainey of Detroit, MI and Elder, Dr. Jeffrey T. (Carolyn) Rainey of Mobile, AL; three beloved step children, Willie George Rainey of Milwaukee, WI, Billy Rainey and Doris Rainey Hatten both of Chattanooga TN; one sister, Ida S. Jones of Mobile, AL; 17 Grandchildren, Nikila Hammond and Kawanna Gurley, Lakeisha, Stephanie, Michaelline, Samantha, Walter III, Aniana, Russell II, Ross, Tiria, Timothy II (Brandi), Imara, Khenaton, Jahwahn, Carmen Rainey, and Caryn (Brandon) Scott; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; daughter-in-law, Samuelina Rainey; one nephew, Darryl (Johnita) Evans; one niece, Stephanie Jones; a host of relatives and friends.

A special acknowledgement and appreciation to Miss Linda Roberts, a devoted neighbor and caregiver, Southern Care Hospice Services, pastor Theodis Parker and the Samuel Chapel A. M. E. Church for their spirit, support, and service.