Emma Frances "Johnson" Wise

Emma Wise, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 15, 1936, in Sampson County to the late Dalton B. Johnson and Lola A. Barefoot Johnson, Emma learned responsibility and hard work early in life. After losing her parents at a young age, she was lovingly raised by her uncle J.T. and aunt Lorraine. She spent her life caring for others, working as a seamstress, and later serving as a USDA meat inspector. Emma was also a wonderful cook, known for preparing meals that brought everyone together and made her home a warm, welcoming place.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Wise; her son, Danny Wise; her grandson, Keith Hoskins; and her sister-in-law, Edna Johnson (wife of James Johnson).

Emma is survived by her son, Randy Wise; granddaughter, Ashley Couch (Michael); step-granddaughter, Lori Hollingsworth (Jason); brothers, John Johnson (Lib) and James Johnson and his longtime companion, Ms. Dot. She is also cherished by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored her.

Emma will be remembered for her generosity, her strength, her devotion to family, and the love she showed through every meal and every act of care. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family will be receiving friends at Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove on Saturday, January 10, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at the Wise Family Cemetery of Mt. Olive.

Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the family of Emma Wise.