Emma (Baldwin) Tyson

Emma Baldwin Tyson, age 93, began her eternal rest on Monday, June 17, 2024.  Our matriarch entered the arms of our Lord at home, surrounded by her family.

Born in Richmond County on October 19, 1930, Emma was the daughter of the late Lacy, Sr and Lucy Robinson Baldwin.  She was preceded in death by 8 of her siblings. She was educated in the segregated schools in Richmond County, completing her education at Ellerbee High School.  Emma had a brilliant smile, an infectious laugh and was known to be quite the conversationalist.  Emma never met a stranger who did not become her friend.  She was the family historian, sharing stories about the Robinson, Baldwin, and Tyson families in Little River and Mangum, NC.  She told funny stories about her mischievous antics with her favorite brother, “Hoover” (Herbert)  and her dear first cousins, “Bert” (Alberta) and “Haze” (Hazel).

Emma was formerly married to Phillip Tyson, Sr. and they had two children, Phillip, Jr (Butch) and Mary.  Emma had an incredible work-ethic and during her lifetime, she worked in various jobs.  When she moved to Albemarle, she was employed at Federal Pacific, and then shifted to a career as a cook at the Heart of Albemarle Motel Restaurant and later at The Dinner Bell. Anyone who dined at either of these establishments during the 1970’s-1990, most likely enjoyed food that she lovingly prepared.  After cooking at work, Emma would come home and prepare delicious, from-scratch meals for her family every day.  No one was ever turned away, cooking and serving was her love language.  In addition to her culinary and baking skills, Emma enjoyed growing beautiful, lush houseplants, flower beds and vegetable gardens.  Her home and yard are adorned with her handiwork.  Emma was also a caretaker to ailing family members: her sister, Sarah, and her brothers, Herbert and James (Nat).  She also cared for family friend and neighbor,  Reuben Davis for many years.  Emma was baptized at an early age and was an active member of Saints Delight Church.

Emma leaves behind a host of family members who will cherish her memory:  son, Phillip, Jr, who resided with her and daughter, Mary Tyson McCray,  of Charlotte, NC.  She has 6 grandchildren:  Tonya Tyson, Erinn Edwards (Darius), Anissa Twyman (Steve), Keenan Tyson (Angela), Ryan Tyson (LaNesha), and Lauren McCray; 12 great-grandchildren: Darrell Coles, Jr., Armani Tyson, Christian Hewitt, Asha Sangah, Brandye Thomas, Mya Tyson, Brayden Tyson, Blaise Thomas, Summer Tyson, LaTerrian Tyson, Jayden Thomas,  and Corey Twyman; a brother, Bobby Baldwin, of Albemarle, NC and two first cousins, Ida Mae and Sarah Robinson; and a host of nieces and nephews.  Emma had several nieces who provided care and visited her daily:  Monica and Cynthia Baldwin, Jannie McDonald, and her shopping partner, Barbara (Trudy) Joyner.

We are heartbroken to experience the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt.  However, we rejoice and are grateful to celebrate the amazing life she lived and the lasting impact she left on each of us.

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