In Memory Of
Emma J. Calaway
1931
2023
Emma J. Calaway
June 16, 1931 — July 24, 2023
Emma Mae Jenkins-Calaway "Lady Butch," a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend departed this world on July 24, 2023.
She was born to Hazel Hicks and Lewis Mathews in Columbia Missouri on June 16, 1931. In 1943, she moved to Cleveland, OH. There, she later attended John Adams High School and was the first black Head Majorette.
In 1953, she met and wed Charles A. Jenkins. Together, they had one son, Philip Jenkins. They owned and operated a family business, the Jenkins Dental Lab. Both Charles and Philip preceded her in death; Emma continued to manage and operate the family business until later retiring.
On September 12, 1977, Emma married Earl L. Calaway. At that time, she became stepmom to Earl's daughters: Marcia Calaway and Dianne Howard. For fifteen years, they enjoyed traveling and hosting many holiday gatherings with family and friends. Earl preceded her in death in 1992.
Emma loved her church community, Mt. Zion Congregational Church, where she was a devoted member. Her passion for playing bridge and entertaining guests manifested over many years and was a true source of happiness for her and those near and dear.
Emma is survived by her sister Freddie Jean Fenderson of Cleveland, OH; brother Robert S. Mathews (Linda) of Akron OH; grandson Philip Jenkins Jr. (Michelle) of Charlotte NC; daughter Marcia Calaway of Riverside CA and granddaughter Nena; Dianne Howard of Cleveland OH and grandchildren Patrick Calaway (Valisa) of Cleveland OH; Antonio Howard of Cleveland OH; Andrea Cheatwood (Timothy) of Sanford FL; as well as ten (10) great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
She will be remembered for the love she shared with friends and family, and always as a woman that carried herself with dignity and strength. She will be missed dearly.
Visitation will be held Friday (August 4th) from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44305.
The family invites you to sign the online guestbook and share fond memories.
She was born to Hazel Hicks and Lewis Mathews in Columbia Missouri on June 16, 1931. In 1943, she moved to Cleveland, OH. There, she later attended John Adams High School and was the first black Head Majorette.
In 1953, she met and wed Charles A. Jenkins. Together, they had one son, Philip Jenkins. They owned and operated a family business, the Jenkins Dental Lab. Both Charles and Philip preceded her in death; Emma continued to manage and operate the family business until later retiring.
On September 12, 1977, Emma married Earl L. Calaway. At that time, she became stepmom to Earl's daughters: Marcia Calaway and Dianne Howard. For fifteen years, they enjoyed traveling and hosting many holiday gatherings with family and friends. Earl preceded her in death in 1992.
Emma loved her church community, Mt. Zion Congregational Church, where she was a devoted member. Her passion for playing bridge and entertaining guests manifested over many years and was a true source of happiness for her and those near and dear.
Emma is survived by her sister Freddie Jean Fenderson of Cleveland, OH; brother Robert S. Mathews (Linda) of Akron OH; grandson Philip Jenkins Jr. (Michelle) of Charlotte NC; daughter Marcia Calaway of Riverside CA and granddaughter Nena; Dianne Howard of Cleveland OH and grandchildren Patrick Calaway (Valisa) of Cleveland OH; Antonio Howard of Cleveland OH; Andrea Cheatwood (Timothy) of Sanford FL; as well as ten (10) great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
She will be remembered for the love she shared with friends and family, and always as a woman that carried herself with dignity and strength. She will be missed dearly.
Visitation will be held Friday (August 4th) from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44305.
The family invites you to sign the online guestbook and share fond memories.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Emma J. Calaway, please visit our flower store.
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