On May 25, 1921, Emma Littlejohn was born in St. Louis, to the union of Aaron and Sarah Patterson. Her parents and her siblings Zora, William, Marian (Harry), Edward, Oscar, Bessie, and Edward Colvin two of her children Shirley Marguerite and Paul Michael her granddaughter Paula Michelle and her great-granddaughter Christina Marguerite preceded her in death.
She was baptized into the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Bridget and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, where she served as a council member. Retired as a Supervisor for the Civil Courts. She was staunch advocate for The March of Dimes.
Emma was a very strong, determined, black woman that ruled with an iron fist. She successfully raised 10 children single handedly. She was very family oriented and instilled great morals and values in all of her children.
Emma was very active in politics as reflected through her dedicated service and membership to the 5th Ward Democratic Organization. On January 20, 2009 her belief in African Americans making a difference in politics was solidified when from her ICU bed she witnessed the inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States of America.
On January 31, 2009, at the age of 87 she departed this life.
She leaves to cherish her memories eight children, Patsy, David (Teresita), Richard (Betty), Rudy (Colette), Carolyn (Ken), Randy (Stephanie), Toni and Teri, son-in-law Raymond, grandchildren Dr. Debra (Steve), Maria, Gina (Kelvin), Kyle, Mark, Karen, Terry, Teresa (Aaron), Brian (Connie), Angela, Dominick, Felicia, Robyn, Kendra, God grandchild Nikolas and a host of other relatives and friends.