Emma Jane Williams (Pharrah)

Emma Jane Pharrah, born April 8, 1925, to the late parents, Charles Wesley Pharrah and Maude Gladys Dennard Pharrah of Seaford, Delaware. Emma peacefully departed this life on September 18, 2019, at the age of 94, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, Delaware. She lived a very fulfilled life. Emma received her education at Frederick Douglass School in Seaford, Delaware. She married Harold Granville Cannon, Sr., of Cokesbury, Maryland. God blessed this union for 25 years, until Granville’s demise. Of this union, they had eight children: Barbara, Garrett (deceased), Granville, Jr. (deceased), Preston (deceased), Gladys, Joyce (deceased), Dexter, and Olivia. During this time, Emma worked as a domestic engineer and as a factory worker at Wright Brothers and Oak Grove Tomato Cannery. She later married James Nathaniel Williams of Seaford, Delaware. They built a wonderful life together that allowed Emma to give up manual labor and take life easy. They often traveled, especially to Florida to visit her daughter, as well as James’ sister, and their families. They traveled until their health prevented them from driving long-distances. Emma became a faithful member of Cokesbury United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Women’s Society. She later became a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Bridgeville, Delaware, under the leadership of Pastor Benny Hickman (Mildred), Pastor Woodrow Evans (Bernadette) and Bishop Dean Evans (Valeria). She was a faithful and dedicated member and was the secretary of the Senior Choir. She enjoyed singing. Emma was a member of the Bridgeville Senior Center, where she made many friends, whom she really loved, and enjoyed several of the activities, including Bible Study and Bingo, as well as other games. She especially enjoyed the trips and events including riding the Cape May/Lewes Ferry, going to Rehoboth Beach, attending shows at Sight & Sound, riding the Cheer Bus and visiting other centers. She also enjoyed working in her yard, attending to her flower garden and family gatherings. Emma had a special and unique love for each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and each of them knew it. They all had their names for Emma - Mom, Mom-Mom, Granny, Nana, Gal and Emma. Emma was praising God that morning before He took her home; with singing, prayer and laughter with family, and that afternoon, Emma raised up from the bed and was focused: her eyes were set—and with a raised hand said, “I AM READY!” She lay back down and God took her home. NO SUFFERING - NO PAIN - She said she was ready and God heard her! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! Emma leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters, Barbara Franklin of Haines City, FL, Gladys West of Seaford, DE and Olivia Williams (Calvin), also of Seaford, DE; one son, Dexter Cannon of Milford, DE; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Martini Cannon of Delmar, DE; three special long-time friends, Mother Maebelle Joyner and Mother Estelle Stevenson, both of Seaford, DE and Mother Melva Hill of Berlin, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Emma Jane Williams (Pharrah)

April 8, 1925 - September 18, 2019