OBITS: McPHERSON, Emma - 25 Oct 2000 - Whitley Co, KY
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 00:08:01 -0500
Submitted by: "Bobbie Ivey-Lewallen" TNGirl@icx.net
FROM THE NEWS-JOURNAL, CORBIN, 11/9/00, PART 1
Emma McPherson, long-time Williamsburg resident, passed away Wednesday,
October 25, 2000 in Norfolk, Virginia. Born April 15, 1924 in Elizabeth City, 
North Carolina, "Miss Mac," as she was known to practically everyone, leaves 
behind a legacy of Christian service, leadership and vision. Her parents, 
Junie Etta and George McPherson, preceded Miss McPherson in death. She is 
survived by two sisters, Ethel Sherrick of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Eva 
Norman of Norfolk, Virginia; four nieces, Debbie Whitehurst of Asheville, 
North Carolina, Mary Hodges of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Etta Florio of
Richmond, Virginia and Diane McNamara of Wilson, North Carolina; one nephew, 
George Norman of Wilson, North Carolina; four great-nieces, six great-nephews, 
two great-great-nieces and one great-great-nephew. Miss McPherson held degrees 
from Meredith College, Campbell College, Southern Seminary and the University 
of Kentucky. She was named the Campbell University Outstanding Alumnus in 1989.
Miss Mac moved to Williamsburg in 1951 to assume her position as Dean
of Women at Cumberland College and instructor of religion. She remained at
Cumberland until 1992 when she retired from her position as Dean of Students
and Associate Professor of English; she continued to teach on a part-time
basis for four years. Miss Mac's dedication to Cumberland College was
evident to all who knew her. In addition to her administrative duties, she
served on numerous committees, sponsored and traveled with student
organizations, taught classes, and, in 1955, organized the Cumberland
College Woman's Club. At the time of her death, she was still an officer in
this club. During her tenure at the College, Miss Mac received the Sears 
Roebuck Award for Teaching Excellence and Community Service and the William 
T. Miles Award for Community Service. The honorary Doctor of Laws degree was
conferred upon her in 1993. An active member of the First Baptist Church of 
Williamsburg since 1951, Miss Mac served as a deacon and the teacher for the 
Phyllis Richardson Wood Class. She provided leadership and support for all of 
the programs of the church including the Women's Missionary Union, Upward 
Bound Adults, and countless committees. Most recently, she was instrumental 
in leading the GROW outreach program and serving as chair of the nominating 
committee. As a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International since 1959,
Miss Mac has served one term as president of Alpha Gamma State, two terms as
president of the Lambda Chapter, and one term on the International
Constitutional Committee. In addition, she has served on a wide range of
committees at both the local and state level. Miss Mac was a longtime member 
of the Williamsburg Woman's Club, previously serving as President and compiling 
the most recent edition of the group's 52-year history. Upon retiring from 
Cumberland College, she began her seven-year volunteer career at the Baptist 
Regional Medical Center in Corbin. Miss Mac left a request that in lieu of 
flowers, contributions be made to the James H. Taylor II Scholarship Fund at 
Cumberland College, the James M. Boswell Scholarship Fund at Cumberland 
College, or the Library Fund at First Baptist Church, Williamsburg.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at
the First Baptist Church, Williamsburg. Obituary information courtesy of 
Ellison Funeral Home.
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