It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Emma Hill Freeman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. On November 4, 2025, Emma passed away peacefully in the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Emory and Angela Freeman, where she had been lovingly cared for the past eight years.  Additionally, she was devotedly attended to by her cherished granddaughters, Keidi and Kaelah.

Born on Christmas Eve in 1928 in Jetersville (Amelia County), Virginia, Emma was the youngest of six children of the late George Jefferson Hill and Bessie Mae Brown Hill. Her siblings were Agnes Hill Scruggs, George Hayward Hill, Helen Hill Goldsberry, Margaret Hill Mondy, and Frank Reginald Hill. They all preceded her in death.

Raised in a nurturing Christian home and close-knit community, Emma was baptized early and joined Good Hope Baptist Church in Jetersville, Virginia. There, she grew in faith, served as president of the Missionary Circle, and led the choir.

Emma's education began in Amelia County public schools. After graduating from Russell Grove High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Her teaching career started at Broad Street Elementary School in Rice, Virginia, where she taught 1st through 4th grades in a two-room classroom, inspiring a love of learning in her students.

On August 28, 1958, she married Earnest St. Clair Freeman Sr. in LaPlata, Maryland. She then relocated to Richmond, Virginia, to make their home. Together they shared over 59 years of marriage before his passing. From their union came three children: daughter Earnay Freeman Truman (Lenwood), and sons Earnest St. Clair Freeman Jr. (Syctrilas) and Emory Steven Freeman Sr. (Angela).

Emma's legacy shines in the lives of her eight grandchildren: Alexandra and Adrianna Freeman; triplets Emory Freeman Jr., Keidi F. Marshall (Milan), and Kaelah Freeman; Earnest Freeman III; Earneese Freeman; and Evan Freeman. She treasured her seven great-grandchildren, each a source of pride and joy. Fondly called "Nana," she remains forever in the hearts of countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whom she touched with her gentle kindness and unwavering care. Especially close to her were her nieces Veronica Brown, Betty Wilkerson, and Sandra Rhoads, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond.

After her early classroom years, Emma continued her education career in Richmond City Public Schools and later became Head Teacher at the Friends Association for Children. She retired from Henrico County Public Schools in 1990.

Her life was full yet beautifully simple. Emma found great joy in gardening and had a green thumb. She delighted in watching birds sing and play in her birdbaths on hot summer days. Emma's love for her dogs reflected her gentle caring spirit.  Also, she enjoyed watching figure skating and gymnastics on television. Furthermore, she took comfort in listening to the soulful music of Kenny G, Luther Vandross, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, and Gladys Knight. Above all, Emma's greatest joy was her family and friends. She embraced the opportunity to help and serve others. Whether volunteering to collect for charitable causes on her block or supporting any endeavor a loved one undertook, she was always ready to lend a helping hand and provide encouragement.

Her family is forever grateful for every precious moment together, each memory etched by her kindness and the gentle strength she brought to their lives. Emma's legacy —her love, compassion, and resilience —echoes in the hearts of all she touched. Her treasured words, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well," continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

View Funeral Webcast