Mrs. Emily Ellen (Emma) Mayers
Editorial Department • Published 18 Oct 2012 09:30
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A much-loved mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Mrs. Emma Mayers passed away in the Tilery Nursing Home, Florencecourt on Friday, August 31, following a period of declining health.
Born on December 2, 1928, she was the seventh child of Marjorie and Joseph Watson of Ballyreagh, Tempo. Emma enjoyed a happy and active childhood; she attended Ballyreagh School where she developed a talented mathematical mind.
As she grew up, she learned many domestic skills from her mother; baking, cooking, sewing and knitting which she used to perfection as a home maker in later years. After leaving school, Emma took up employment in a general merchant business owned by John J Mayers and later Tommy Mayers.
Emma married John (Jack) Mayers on August 24, 1960 and they made their home at Coolbuck, Lisbellaw. Emma helped on the family farm and enjoyed gardening. They had three children, Ivan, Caroline and Ronald. Sadly Jack died suddenly on February 11, 1998. He was a great loss to Emma and their family.
Although Emma was quiet and reserved in character, she had a warm welcome for those who called at her home. She always greeted people politely with a friendly smile. Emma derived satisfaction from the simple pleasures in life, the animals, birds and the beauty of the countryside. Her main priorities in life were her home, her family and her faith.
Emma was a Sunday School teacher in Pubble Methodist Church and she attended gospel meetings in Garvary and Ballyreagh Halls. Throughout her life she loved singing hymns and listening to gospel music. She was a regular worshipper at Lisbellaw Methodist Church and was a member of the Methodist Women's Association until the onset of her illness.
She gave of her time freely to friends and relatives and gave support to those in need. She was a wonderful support to her family and grandchildren. She was proud of the achievements of her family and enjoyed family visits. Her seven grandchildren were very dear to her.
Emma bore her illness with great dignity and she fully appreciated all those who were involved in her care and those who visited her.
Emma's funeral service took place on Sunday September 2, at Lisbellaw Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. Ruth Watt and the Rev. Eleanor Hayden. The hymns sung were "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" and "Shall we gather at the river". Two of her grandchildren, Laura and Gareth read the Bible readings.
The remains were laid to rest at Tattygare New Cemetery, Lisbellaw where her late husband Jack was buried.
Emma, who will always be remembered by her family as loving and generous, is survived by her three children: Ivan (Wilma) Fivemiletown, Caroline (Alan) Killadeas and Ronald (Andrea) Lisbellaw. She leaves seven grandchildren, Louise, Jonathan, Susan, Laura, Andrew, Sharon and Gareth. She also leaves sisters Gretta in Kent, Olive in Gilbrooke Nursing Home, Irene (Bruce) in Canada, Marjory (Leslie) in Liverpool and Mary in Enniskillen, also brothers Willie in Slieveleague Residential Home and Eric (Olive) at Tempo, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces. Emma was predeceased by brothers Wesley and Edmund.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Gordon Elliott, S.R. Elliott & Sons, Enniskillen. Donations in lieu of flowers were sent to Alzheimer's Society.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Oct 12
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