Emma Lou Walton was the sixth of seven children born to the proud parents of Hiram and Emma Lusk Jackson on July 29, 1924, in Crockett, Texas. She grew up in a Christian home filled with the love of God, family, music, and commitment to education.
She was a faithful member of St. Andrew AME Church, where she was baptized at an early age. She served in many capacities, including playing the piano whenever needed. After leaving Crockett and relocating to Fayetteville, North Carolia, she attended Simon Temple AME Zion Church.

After graduating from Crockett Colored High School, Emma attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, where she received a B.S. Degree in Education. She also received additional certifications from Prairie View A&M University.
Emma's teaching career began in Leon County. She also worked in Freestone County and finally retired in Houston County. The CCH/RJB Alumni Association recognized her as a committed and faithful teacher. Her students always loved her unique way of making them enjoy learning.

Emma Lou (as she was affectionately called by family members) was known by her nieces and nephews as "The Fun Aunt", always making them laugh, and taking them on memorable adventures and traveling to interesting places.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Sullivan, daughter Nancy (her only child), parents, six siblings, and grandson Jimmy Jackson. To cherish her memories of love and life, she leaves her devoted granddaughter Jasmine Vaughn of Tyler, Texas, grandchildren Lisa Lloyd, Sheila Brown, Dr. Floyd J. Stewart III, Felecia Coe (all of Fayetteville, North Carolina), ten great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of loved ones, relatives and friends.