Emma Reid Echols

Emma Reid Echols, 99, a resident of Sharon Towers in Charlotte, crossed over to her heavenly home on Tuesday, April 9, 2002. A memorial service will be held at Neely's Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC, on Saturday, April 13, at 2:30 with internment and a reception following the service.
Emma Reid Echols was born February 7, 1903 in Charlotte. The late John Calvin Reid and Ximena Hunter Reid, formerly of Providence Road in Charlotte, were her parents. After graduating from Erskine College, she distinguished herself as a teacher, first in Charlotte, then in Rock Hill, SC.
Emma's late husband, the Rev. Dr. W. Roger Echols, was pastor of the Neely's Creek ARP Church for over 30 years. She was a tireless church worker, children's choir director, and teacher of the women's Bible class. She remained an active member of Neely's Creek ARP Church all her life, even attending Easter service the week before her death.
In 1950, with the help of the Junior Welfare League, she opened the Orthopedic Community School in Rock Hill for the physically and mentally handicapped, where she taught for a number of years. She also helped establish "Camp Joy" for handicapped children at Bonclarken near Flat Rock, NC, where she served as the storyteller even into her mid-90s. She continued as a popular substitute teacher in the Rock Hill Public Schools until over age 90.
Emma had a heart for the Lord and for sharing her faith. As the granddaughter of missionaries to Mexico, she had a life-long interest in Christian mission, particularly in Mexico and Pakistan. She was instrumental in providing funds for two chapels in Mexico and maintained close contacts with the missions there until her death. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church denomination sent her to Pakistan on a mission trip when she was in her 80's to serve as mission interpreter to the denomination. She wrote many booklets describing mission work in both Mexico and Pakistan.
Another special interest was her close involvement with the Catawba Indians. As a result of her friendships with them and knowledge of their history, she was commissioned by the University of Florida and recorded the oral history of the Catawba Indians on over 60 audio tapes and accompanying pictures.
Emma was tireless, enthusiastic, creative, selfless, entertaining and inspiring. This remarkable lady will be remembered and missed by many in the Charlotte and Rock Hill areas.
She is survived by a daughter, Mary Shehan of Columbia, SC; a granddaughter, Mary Frances Anderson of Clarksburg, WV; a grandson, William Shehan III of Lombard, IL; a sister, Eloise Reid Orr of Charlotte; a brother, Jennings Reid of Matthews, NC; a brother, Eben Reid of Columbus, GA; as well as seven nieces and nephews and several great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Neely's Creek ARP Church at 974 Neely's Creek Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 or to World Witness (Mexico) at 1 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Bass Funeral Home of Rock Hill is serving the family.