Azzie Emerson

EMERSON, AZZIE LEE- It is with great sadness the family of Sister Azzie Lee Emerson announces the passing. Her treasured earthily vessel was moved to her heavenly reward on April 19, 2018, in the presence of family and friends at the age of 99 years

Azzie Lee Emerson was born January 25, 1919 to Amanda "Minnie" Petty and John Emerson in a very small town Homer, Louisiana. She spent her childhood and school age years in Arcadia, Louisiana. She was the last living of her 13 siblings. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized. She began her Christian journey in Sunday School, Training Union and Youth Usher Board. Azzie Lee received her secondary education at Grambling State University. On July 26, 1940, she was blessed with a son (Bill). In 1944, she moved to Roswell, New Mexico where she united with the Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late O.F. Dixon. Under his leadership, she worked in many ministries.

Azzie Lee Emerson was employed for many years at the St. Mary's Hospital as a nursing assistant for many departments. Azzie Lee was instrumental along with Deacon A.E. Jackson in the organization of the Mt. Olive State Usher Board where she served faithfully until her health no longer allowed. She loved her church (Mt. Gilead) where she served for over 70 years. Over the years, the pastors came and went but she remained a devoted member, served on Usher board, Missions, Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU), Kitchen Chair and Community Outreach. She was an active member of NAACP and the Jerusalem District Association. She also served as Presided of the Jerusalem District Ushers. She was a dedicated usher. You could always find Sister Emerson in uniform ready for ushering rather at her church or wherever she was needed. Everyone was blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Azzie Lee during her 99 years. There is nothing that she would not do for you. She was a mother, friend and care giver to many, including Tony Ray Strange. Azzie Lee had a calming sweet spirit.

Azzie Lee was preceded in death by her parents, thirteen siblings, Rogers Faye Emerson, daughter-in-law.

Azzie Lee leaves to cherish her memory a loving son Bill Emerson, Roswell, NM; One grandson, Bobby Emerson, Seattle, WA; two great- grandchildren Deion and Kerria Emerson; one great-great grandchild. She will be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. A home going celebration will be held in memory of Azzie Lee Emerson on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 700 E. Summit, Roswell, NM. Rev. Artis Allen will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Ernest Bucham, Willie Cooper, Danny Garcia, Edward Island, Horace Reese, Jr, Russell Right, Rev. Stanley Smith, and George Rabb. Honorary Pallbearers: Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Deacons, Jerusalem District Ushers and Mt. Olive State Ushers. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery.




I would rather that I be chosen
As a hostess up in heaven.
One to be a servant to the King
And tend to his many children.

I'd rather be chosen as his
Glorious, spotless bride,
His holy, pure white church
That would sit at his right side.

I would rather be the one chosen
To have the honor and privilege
Of being a lowly little servant to
God's precious hallowed image.

I'd rather be the one that was able
To sit before his holy throne,
The one who'd shine his shoes, comb his hair,
And never leave him all alone.

I rather be the servant girl
To wash and press his priestly gowns
While others fell down to worship Him
Upon the hallowed ground.

I'd rather be the one allowed
To polish his Golden Throne
While others gathered 'round him
Singing adorations to him alone.

rather be the one allowed
To worship at his precious feet.
Just to be his faithful servant
Would make my life complete.

For I'd rather be a servant in
The house of the Almighty King
Than to be cast into outer darkness
Where teeth would be weeping and gnashing.

I know the King will accept me
Into his glorious Kingdom there
As I fall prostrate on the ground
I know there's room for me right there?

I'd fall upon my face before him
Wash his feet with my long hair
If I could just be his servant
I'd be complete in heaven there.

I'd rather be a doorkeeper
Within the house of my God
Than to have all riches and honor
And be heard here and abroad.

Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, April 26, 2018
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Service

Going Home Celebration

Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church
700 E. Summit
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, April 27, 2018
11:00 AM

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203