Emma Lee Schoolfield

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Emma Lee Schoolfield, our matriarch whose love anchored generations, passed away peacefully at her home in Pocomoke City, Maryland, following a brief battle with lung cancer. She was ninety (90) years old. Born in Pocomoke City on January 28, 1935 to the late Caroline Cropper Lane and Russell Schoolfield, Emma was one of three children raised with values of kindness, faith and community. She attended schools in Worcester County and dedicated 29½ years of service to Pocomoke Middle School, not just as a custodian but as a guiding presence. Her smile lit the hallways, her wisdom helped guide young students and her legacy was echoed through the footsteps of her grandchildren who also attended Pocomoke Middle School. A lifelong member and usher at St. James United Methodist Church, Emma Lee's faith was the foundation of her life. She led by example, with quiet strength and unwavering grace that extended far beyond the pews. Emma Lee's greatest joy was her family. She was a woman of strength and generosity. She was known for helping anyone she could-whether that meant offering financial support, a warm smile, a shoulder to cry on, a stern hand, or a gentle nudge when you needed it. She would playfully scold her grandchildren when the phone calls fell short of her expectations. She taught her grandchildren how to love and how to treat others. She shared casino outings and laughter with her daughter and friends. She cheered at horse races, proud of her late son William. She cared tirelessly for her late children Ella Mae and Troy. Emma Lee's loss is deeply felt by her family, church members and friends. Emma Lee was preceded in death by: her parents, Caroline Lane, and Russell Schoolfield; two brothers, Nelson Cropper and William Schoolfield; her daughter, Ella Mae Jones and two sons, William E. Brittingham, Jr. and Troy D. Schoolfield. Cherishing her memory are: her children, Russell Brittingham of Ocean City, MD, the Reverend Alonzo J. Schoolfield of Pocomoke City, MD and Samuel Crippen, Jr. of Miona, VA; daughters, Darlene Crippen and JoAnn Morris, both of Pocomoke City, MD; son-in-law, Alvin Morris of Parksley, VA; grandchildren, Sasha Holland (Jean) of Salisbury, MD, Michelle Pote (Patrick) of Philadelphia, PA, LaRhonda Jones of Salisbury, MD, Lynaya Morris (Luke) of Portland, ME; Bryan Corbin of Salisbury, MD, Martece Brittingham of Ocean City, MD, Terron Morris of Pocomoke, MD, TreShuan Marshall and LoShuan Godwin, Jr. of Captains Cove, VA; two special cousins, Louise Brittingham and Betty Lee Simpson and a host of other relatives and friends. Submitted With Love ~ The Family