Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Leon Emery Obituary
Clinton
Having lived a life filled with love and devotion to God, his family and his country, Leon Emery died on December 23, 2012, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi, at the age of 93. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Jessie, his children Ron (Cindy) Emery and Sharon (Michael) Harden, his grandchildren Gray Emery, Alex Emery, Rebecca Harden and John (Grace) Harden and two great granddaughters, Emery Rose and Ella; his brother Arnold (Pauline) Emery and his sister, Mazie Gosnell. He was preceded in death by a son, Darrell Lee Emery, his parents John and Minnie Emery, his brothers Albert and Verner, and his sister Daisy Dill. His most treasured moments were those spent with his family.
A native of South Carolina, Leon was a decorated veteran of World War II having served in the US Army in the Pacific Theater. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1950 and pastored churches in South Carolina and Mississippi. From 1963 to 1984, he worked for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board in Cooperative Missions and later as Director of the Church Administration-Pastoral Ministries Department. His passion for missions carried him from the Mississippi Delta to countries including Grenada, Italy, Argentina, Zimbabwe and the Philippines where he established a mission in memory of his infant son who died while he was serving there in WWII. He continued to serve in various capacities of Baptist work well after his retirement.
He was a licensed pilot and served as Chaplain of the Mississippi Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. He received degrees from North Greenville University and Mississippi College. Rev. Emery attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and received the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC.
Visitation will be 4-6 PM Thursday, December 27, 2012, at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland. Services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, December 28, 2012, at the funeral home with burial to follow on the adjacent grounds at Parkway Memorial Cemetery. Rev. Emery's beloved pastor and dear friend, Dr. Carl Savell, will lead us as we celebrate his life.
Memorial gifts may be made to Westview Baptist Church, Jackson, MS.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leon Emery
Fred Edwards
January 19, 2013
To the Emery family. Leon was my pastor when I was saved and he is the one who baptized me on June 1, 1952, in the North Tiger River (before the current Lake Cunningham). I have some very special memories of his care and concern for the lost and just people in general. I remember a trip to the Dr. on a Sunday night for some stitches. Jessie might recall this event, too. They both really cared for others and it showed in his actions. I praise the Lord for Leon & Jessie' ministry at O'Neal Baptist Church, Greer, S. C. and how God used them to impact my life's journey and calling to serve God with my life(church staff person & hospital chaplain). My prayers are with the whole family as you celebrate a very special man in Leon, that God used in His Service these many years. God bless and sustain you all in the journey of life God has for each of you. Remember that God has promised to be with you always. Fred Edwards
January 2, 2013
To the Emery Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bro Emery's passing but I know where there is a void on this side of heaven there is a rejoicing on the other side! You have been blessed to have such a devoted husband and father and I was blessed to have worked for him for a period of time at the Baptist Building. He was truly a dedicated and good man and a hard worker.
Renee Walley
December 30, 2012
Board and Boardette, I know how hard this is and just wanted yall to know that we love yall and are praying for you in this sad time. Rink and Donnis
Milo & Deb Luginbuhl
December 28, 2012
Dear Sharon--We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We are honored to have been able to meet him. Your whole family is in our prayers. May you find comfort in the coming days.
Bob and Pam Huston
December 28, 2012
Ronnie,
We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I wish we could have been there for you - we have been out of town. You know we love you and will continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time.
December 28, 2012
Dear Emery Family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Brother Leon, a leader in many ways and loved by all. Thinking about you.
Jim & Polly Cowden
Hal Lee
December 28, 2012
To the Emery family - Leon and I were acquaintances going back to the 1950s though we did not work together. As the MS Wing Chaplain, Civil Air Patrol, I wish to express my gratitude for Leon's service in the same role I occupy today. Also, my personal condolence at this time of loss.
Ralph Walker
December 28, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss.
We are praying for God's comfort
during this time.
Love In Christ,
Ralph & Verbalene Walker
December 28, 2012
Leslie Lampton I have him in my prayers.
December 27, 2012
Sharon,
Your Father was obviously quite a man. I'm sure you will miss him terribly. I'm so very sorry for your and your family's loss. Love, Kyra
Vicki Rogers
December 27, 2012
Sharon, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vonda Clower
December 27, 2012
Mrs. Emery and Family,
I had the privilege of working with Bro. Emery at the Baptist Building. In fact, part of the time he worked from my office. He was a godly man, a great friend, and he loved his job. My life is richer for having known him.
Vonda Clower
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home-Parkway Memorial Cemetery
December 27, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Jake and Jo Veenstra
December 27, 2012
We remember the Emery's as wonderful neighbors from Fairway St. with great fondness. Our prayers are with the family.
Joe & Pat Rutledge
December 27, 2012
Jessie - our prayers are with you and your family - we will always remember the good times that we had at Woodville Heights Baptist Church and the get togethers that we had the last few years -
Dan and Rachel West
December 27, 2012
We are thankful for the many memories we have of our dear friend. Our prayers are with Mrs. Emery and all of the family. We praise our Lord for his faithful life of service and genuine friendship. May God bless all of you.
Jean Dabit
December 26, 2012
To the Emery Family: Although I didn't know Rev. Emery personally, he sounds like an amazing man! My thoughts and prayers are with your family during these difficult times. May his memory be eternal.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Leon Emery's name
Memorial Events
for Leon Emery
Funeral services provided by:
Parkway Funeral Home and Memorial Park1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157
How to support Leon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Leon Emery's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
