Emma L. Mays

A Celebration of Life: Emma Lee (Bryant-Alexander) Mays

Emma Lee (Bryant-Alexander) Mays, was born April 12, 1931 to Pearl and Lonnie Bryant in Palmetto Georgia. She was the oldest of 8 children. Emma's journey home was on June 9, 2021. Emma learned to play the piano at the early age of 6, as she became older Emma sharpened her piano playing and singing skills. Emma moved from Georgia to Dayton. Emma continued to hone her skills, in/for church choirs. This eventually led to a long career as one of Dayton’s well-known musicians. Emma has played and was the Director for the McKinley Gospel Clefs, she was a member of the United Gospel Chorus, which was made up of various voices and musicians around the Dayton area. Emma was a musician and songstress for the McKinley United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Emma’s voice is one that will never be forgotten as she had a voice that would carry from the rooftops and would rattle your soul. The way Emma banged a piano would make a deaf man move with joy! Praising the Lord was one of Emma’s life’s work, helping others was a part of her life’s journey.

What a joyous time it was when Emma hit those piano keys and her foot hit the pedals on the piano.

Emma worked for Montgomery County Children’s Services (fka Shawen Acres) as a caseworker for over 20 years, before retiring from St. Joseph’s Children’s Treatment Center (now called Glen at St. Joseph) with over 15 years of service. Emma was also an employee of HH Roberts Funeral Home for many years where she worked in the office and played the piano for funeral services. Emma graduated from Dunbar High school and attended Sinclair College. Emma was a 45+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star, where she served as Past Worthy Matron of Ruth Chapter  as a Past Matron, Ruth Chapter No.15 OES, a Past Grand Worthy Matron of the Benevolent Grand Chapter OES, State of Ohio, Past Most Worthy Grand Matron, Grand Council of Deliberation, Daughters of Sphinx; Past Grand Most Ancient Matron, Mohab Court , Heroines of Jericho State of Ohio. Emma lived a wonderful life, ninety long years is a blessing to celebrate!

Emma leaves to cherish her memory of life, love, strength and family.  Six children: Vernon M Alexander, Vivia D Alexander, Sondra Alexander (Byron) Banks, Philmore “Pete” Alexander III, Clarence D Mays Jr., Deidre (Mike) Harris.  Bonus daughters Stacy Turner and Kennyatta Davis,Diane Johnson, Cheryl Knuckles, Engua (James) Cason.  Bonus son Charles Harris and Theodore Beane. Emma has 24 Grandchildren: James Alexander, Craig Alexander, Ryan Reeves, Tony Rogers, Jr., Toni’sha Rogers, Sean’ae Banks, Byron Banks II, Paul Crane, Javona Alexander, Lashawnda Alexander, LaKeisha Alexander (Duke) Carton, LaQuita Alexander, ShaCrystal Alexander, ShaDiamond Stephans, Jewel Alexander, Philmore Alexander IV, Dajahnn Alexander, Dymond Cartwright, Clarence (Morgan) Mays III, Antoinne Mays, Porsche Johnson, Terrence Wilson Jr, Deidric Wilson, Terrell Wilson. Emma has 37 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren. 

Emma’s siblings: Lonnie (Sharon) Bryant, Carlton (Brenda) Bryant, Kevin (Aleisha) Bryant, Valerie Bryant. Alyce Harris, her day one sister ride or die. Emma is preceded in death by her devoted husband Clarence D Mays Sr, her MotherPearl Bryant, Father Lonnie Bryant, Mother Zeola Bryant, her brother Ronald Bryant, and her sister Carla Bryant, her grandson Sean A Mays and her former husband Philmore Alexander Jr. 

Emma lived a wonderful life, ninety long years is a blessing to celebrate! What a legacy for us to follow.

Emma has so many devoted friends and family to name, she touched a lot of lives with her caring soul and open-door policy to her home. All were welcome!

From our family to yours we would like to, Thank you all for sharing in our celebration of our Mother’s life. She has so many accolades we can’t name them all. What we pray that you take with you is the peace of the Lord beyond all understanding, please love each other and be kind and caring while you still have breath. Do all you can while you can!!!!

May the peace of God be with you. Our Mother was a beautiful soul, our Angel on Earth but; now she is God’s Angel watching over us all.

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