Emma J. Johnson

Emma Jean "Polly" Johnson, a woman of faith, laughter, and unshakable strength, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, September 15, 2025, at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. She was 64 years old.

Born October 1, 1960, in Chase City, Virginia, Emma was the daughter of the late Mary Belle Dendy and Marshall Keene. She was one of five children and was preceded in death by her brother, Jesse Lee Marble, and her sister, Diane Marble Smith.

At the age of nine, Emma's family relocated to Newark, New Jersey. She graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School in 1978, where she was known for her bright spirit, popularity, and involvement in school activities. Gifted in math, she went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from Kean College (now Kean University) in 1982. That same year, she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Zeta Chapter, beginning a lifelong bond of sisterhood.

After relocating to Richmond, Virginia, Emma became a dedicated member of Seventh Street Memorial Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in the Usher, Missionary and Trustee Ministries. Her love for God and her church family was unwavering, and she lived out her faith in word and deed.

Emma was employed by the City of Richmond Department of Social Services for over 20 years. Emma was known for being a hard worker with an exceptional work ethic. She was very knowledgeable and tried to offer support to clients and co-workers. She also worked at the craft store, Michaels. Later in life, she discovered a passion for crafting, creating exquisite wreaths and bows that blossomed into her business, Joy of Mine.

Emma embodied joy and creativity. She loved shopping—especially for designer purses and shoes—and carried herself with elegance and confidence. She had a gift for making people laugh, often reminding others not to take life too seriously but to love a little more and laugh a little harder. She was known as a hard worker, balancing her professional life with her devotion to family, even while facing significant health challenges. She fought cancer with remarkable courage, enduring five separate battles with the disease. Her spirit remained strong and her faith steadfast, but ultimately her body could no longer bear the fight.

Above all, Emma cherished her family and friends. Her daughters and grandchildren were the light of her life. She leaves behind not only the memories of her laughter and her diva style, but also a legacy of resilience, love, and faith that will live on in all who knew her.

Emma leaves to carry her legacy and cherish her memory: two daughters, Jasmine P. Reynolds (Joshua) and Keesha L. Johnson; seven beloved grandchildren, Jada, Amarye, Kemonee, Joshua Jr., Prince Elijah, Susanna, and Havana; two siblings, Josephine Williams and Sidney Marable (DeVern), all of Richmond, VA; one aunt, Georgiana Brooks of Montclair, New Jersey; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends; among them, Debra Carlyle, Kimberly Winston, Niki J. Wright, and Tashira Brown; her October Birthday Ladies, The Seventh Street Memorial Church Family, and her cherished fur baby, Bella.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025. 

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memory Garden, Glen Allen, VA.