Emma Meekins

Emma Meekins ObituaryMother Emma Meekins was born on December 19, 1932, in Henderson, North Carolina, to the late Alfred and Eula Williams. She was the fifth born of thirteen children. From a young age, Emma labored alongside her father and siblings on their family farm, tending to livestock, cultivating fruits and vegetables, and curing meats in the smokehouse. It was a life reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie - the Black version, of course. Emma spent her formative years caring for her parents, siblings, and the land they cherished.
The Southern belle left her humble beginnings and moved to Connecticut, where she would build a life centered on service, family, and faith. Emma became a dedicated and lifelong member of Rehoboth Church of God in Christ in Bridgeport, CT, where she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. It was at this very church where she met the love of her life, Theophilus "Ted" Meekins. In 1962, they were married and blessed with four beautiful children.
Emma served her church in many capacities: a licensed Evangelist, President of the Usher Board, an alto in the choir, Liturgical Coordinator, Pastor's Aide, devoted prayer warrior, and passionate worshipper. When her testimony began with, "When I think of the goodness of Jesus " you could rest assured that a dance was soon to follow! Mother Emma Meekins was installed as the Church Mother of Rehoboth Family Life COGIC on October 23rd, 2017 – the very first official appointment by the newly appointed Pastor Joel Pullen.
She carried that same devotion into her work as a Home Health Care Professional, where she lovingly cared for the sick and elderly for many years. Emma was also the heart of her home, where she delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Emma was a phenomenal cook. If you ever had the chance to try her sweet potato souffle and her delicious lime Jell-O mold, you were in for a real treat!
Although Emma was not given a middle name at birth, a beloved neighbor nicknamed her "Emma-Jean," and it stuck like glue. Perfectly fitting her blend of Southern sophistication and sass.
Among her favorite joys were gospel artist, Tye Tribbett, and televangelist, Jimmy Swaggart. She would sing "Everything" and "We Gon' Be Alright" with fervor and watched Jimmy Swaggart daily. In a touching full-circle moment, both Emma and Jimmy entered eternal rest on the same day - a divine appointment, indeed.
Emma is preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, and one great-grand Angel. Left to carry on her legacy are her four children: Theophilus "Teddy" (Lashake) Meekins, Liza Meekins, Diane (Page) Reynolds, and Lynn Meekins; twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; special nieces, nephews, cousins; Godson, Emil Walker; Goddaughter and devoted caregiver, Ann Hargrove; and a host of loving family and friends.
The suddenness of Emma's passing leaves many broken hearts, but we find comfort in knowing that, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!" Her memory will live on through the lives she touched, the worship she inspired, and the love she gave to all, near and far. Emma Meekins will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 9a.m. at Rehoboth Church God In Christ, 72 Beardsley Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut. Family and friends may view at the church at 8a.m. until time of service. Interment will be held in Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport,Connecticut.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Emma, please visit our .
Mother Emma Meekins was born on December 19, 1932, in Henderson, North Carolina, to the late Alfred and Eula Williams. She was the fifth born of thirteen children. From a young age, Emma labored alongside her father and siblings on their family farm, tending to livestock, cultivating fruits and vegetables, and curing meats in the smokehouse. It