Emma Estelle Barbour

**NOTE CHANGE OF SERVICE TIME

Emma Staton Barbour, 98, died Monday, March 11, 2019 in Tucker, Georgia. Emma, as she was known to her friends, E-mama, as she was known to her family, was born in Cleveland, Georgia on June 27, 1920. She was predeceased by her husband, O. Bruce Barbour, her daughter, Elaine, her parents, Jasper Fred Staton and Olie Canady Staton, and her brothers: Garlin Staton, Garnett Staton, Wiley Staton, Kermett Staton, Thomas Staton, and John Staton, and her sisters: Minnie Staton Hamilton, Bessie Staton Jackson, Mary Staton Allison, and Jane Staton Dorsey.
Emma is survived by her four daughters, Louise Barbour, Lynn Barbour Evans, Joyce Barbour Alhadeff, and Alice Barbour Rusher, along with 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandsons! Plus many nieces and nephews!
Emma grew up in Clermont, Georgia and moved to Atlanta while in her 20’s. She graduated from Southern Business College and also took night courses at Mercer extension centers.
In 1948 Emma began working at the Georgia Baptist Convention executive headquarters. From 1948 through 1969 she worked in the business office as payroll secretary, assistant bookkeeper and assistant office manager. The office manager was Bruce Barbour. Mr. Barbour’s wife died in 1965. In 1969, Emma and Bruce married.
She then transferred to the Annuity Office headed by Roger Miller. In 1983, after working for the Georgia Baptist Convention for 35 years, Emma retired!
In retirement years, Emma and Bruce loved spending time at their mountain cabin near Dawsonville!
Emma and Bruce were members at Clairmont Hills Baptist Church in Decatur, (now Bridgepoint Church at Toco Hills) where they were both active in Sunday School leadership for many years.
Emma was a true Saint! She came to marriage late in life, but by the end of her life she had actually forgotten that she had not given birth to her adopted children! Such love had she that she spilled it all over every one with whom she came in contact! Her reward in Heaven will be great! Those who had the privilege of knowing her will never forget her!
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to your favorite charity, to Agape Hospice, to Bridgepoint Church at Toco Hills or to North Clarendon Baptist Church.