Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Mother Emma J. Baxley, 91, of Sandusky, transitioned into eternity with her heavenly Father in the early morning hours on Monday, December 21, 2015 in her home surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on February 18, 1924, in Alpine, Alabama, to the proud parents of Deacon Edward and Mother Minnie Bell (Morris) Lee.
At an early age Emma came to know Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. After graduating from Talladega County Training School in 1946 where she held Honorable rank and scholarship she moved to Sandusky, Ohio. Soon after moving to Sandusky she met and married Sherman Baxley. Mother Baxley united with Second Baptist Church to carry out the work of the Lord. Her family later united with St. Stephens A. M. E. church before joining her daughter Patricia who was active at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.
Mother Baxley was heavily involved with her church and in the community up until her latter years. She was honored by her church with the Usher of the Year award and Outstanding Mother award. She was also honored by area community churches with the Dedicated Community Usher award. Always being of service, she volunteered with Stein Hospice, Senior Center Meals on Wheels, Mother's For Christ Jail Ministry and she initiated the Community Usher Ministry. She also was a very present part of the lives of many youth as a supervisor for the Sandusky High School Gospel Choir and a member of the Martin Luther King Community Choir.
Mother Baxley worked many different jobs to provide for her six daughters and was hired into New Departure Hyatt where she retired after 35 plus years in 1988. Throughout the community she was very well known for her hard work and dedication to her family.
Her memories are cherished by two sisters, Lillie Bell Phillips of Chicago, Illinois and Elizabeth Spencer of Talladega, Alabama; three brothers, James (Erma) Lee, Robert Lee and Willie B. Lee all of St. Louis, Missouri; daughters, Elder Patricia (Rev. James) Matthews, Co-Pastor Sherma (Pastor Tracy) Shoemo, and Viola (Rommel) McKinney all of Sandusky, Ohio; Elder Phyllis (Vernon) Brantley, Carrie Kasandra (Jacob) Moore both of Virginia, and Shepherdess Mary Denise (Pastor Mark) Warren of Elyria, Ohio. She has also helped to raise and nurture 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren with 4 bundles on the way; 3 step grandchildren, 10 step great-grandchildren,11 step great great-grandchildren; 4 God children, special cousins Louise Maxie, Bobby (Pump) Garrett, Darwitt Garrett and Darrin Thompson, close family friend Annie Card; special friend Ann Voight, special daughter Anita Kennedy, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and so many more that have been lovingly adopted into her family.
She was preceded in death by husband Sherman Baxley, her parents, Deacon Edward and Mother Minnie Bell (Morris) Lee, two brothers, Matthew and Harry Lee, one sister Corien Truss, Cousin Lillie Thompson, Close family friend Dennie Card, Step Daughter Mary Elizabeth Hunter, beloved great-grandsons Jaxon Philip McCarty and Malachi Joel Warren.
Friends may call on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, from 11 A.M. until time of Homegoing Services at 12 P.M. Noon in New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1920 Eddie Henry Way, Sandusky. Rev. Curtis L. Johnson, Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.
Mother Baxley's legacy is one of uncompromising integrity and commitment to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky is handling the arrangements.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.toftfh.com.
