Emma Lee Baxter

Emma Lee Baxter, daughter of the late John Wesley and Alice Berry, was born on February 5, 1934, in York, South Carolina. She peacefully departed this life at the age of 91. She was educated in the York County Public School System.

From an early age, Emma carried a heart of service and love.

As she grew into motherhood, she dedicated her life to nurturing her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She became a true matriarch, offering wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love.

Emma was no stranger to hard work. She began by helping households in her community, providing dependable domestic work, before joining the American Thread Company, where she served faithfully for more than twenty years. Following that, she joined the staff of Clinton College, where she worked with dedication until her retirement.

Emma was a faithful and devoted member of White Hill

A.M.E. Zion Church, where she joyfully served in many capacities. She sang in the Hymn Choir as well as the South Carolina Conference Hymn Choir, lifting her voice in praise.

She poured her heart into the ministry of service, most notably in the church kitchen, where she passionately cooked and cared for others. Her former pastor, Reverend Thompson, often requested her special meals, knowing the love and skill she placed into every dish. Emma also served faithfully as a Deaconess, and was active in the Willing Workers, Missionary Choir, Lay Council, the White Hill Church Aide Society, and the Women's Ministry. She was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), White Hill Chapter #350, where she served as Associate Matron.

Her hobbies reflected her love for family and community. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning (famously making the best "cha-cha"), and sewing, often stitching dresses for her daughters with care. Her home was always filled with warmth, delicious food, and the laughter of loved ones.

Emma was united in holy matrimony to the late Robert Baxter, and together they shared 34 years of love and partnership.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Wesley Berry, and her siblings: Marie Berry Brice, Ophelia Berry Hagan, James Berry, Mattie Amy Berry Neely, Frances Berry Sims, Theo Berry, Robert Turner Berry, Loyal Douglas, and Agnes Lee Berry.

She leaves to cherish her memory her in-laws: Mattie Lee Baxter, Theodore Baxter (Carolyn), Albert Baxter, and Apostle John Walter Baxton (Apostle Sharon).

As a proud and loving matriarch, Emma is survived by her children: Alice Berry; Charles Berry (Carolyn); Robbie Hill (Michael); Rose Johnson (Michael); John Baxter; and Tracie Mackey (Robert). Her beloved grandchildren carry her legacy, notably Dedrick, Ramon, and Rosheika (Charlie), who held a tender place in her heart, along with Altravise (James), Arther Hunt Jr., Vershawn, Charles Berry Jr. (Erin), Crystal (Maurice), Demetrica, Michael Hill Jr. (Laterria), Domonique (Akrofi), Raquita, Natasha, Marcus, Rico (Jenny), Shemerre, and Romello. She was further blessed with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Emma was the last surviving sibling of ten, yet she became everyone's mother, pouring into her family and community with boundless love. Her passion, kindness, and nurturing spirit touched countless lives, and her presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.