Ms. Emma Jean Colson of 112 Chukar Court, Leesburg, Georgia died Monday, August 8, 2022 at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the J. W. Williams Funeral Home Porte Cochere in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.  Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

The late Deacon Willie B. Colson and the late Mrs. Dannie Mae Slade Colson were blessed with a baby girl who was born on March 9, 1957.  She was given the name Emma Jean Colson.

Emma was educated in the Crisp County School System.  She graduated in 1975 from the Crisp County High School.  She continued her education at Middle Georgia State University.  She graduated and became the first African American   woman to earn an Associate degree in Nursing from the school.  Never willing to settle, Emma earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing for the Albany State University and Medical Certification from Moultrie Technical College.  She later received her Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Georgia.  Previously she had been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Emma began her nursing career at the Crisp County Hospital.  She later became employed by Phoebe Putney Health Systems where she was a valued employee for 30 years.  On April 13, 2018 she retired.

Emma joined the St. James Baptist Church where she sang in the choir.  She later joined the New True Fellowship Church in Albany, Georgia.

On Monday, August 8, 2002, she heard the Master's call.  She is also preceded in death by her brothers, Deacon Willie James Colson and Deacon Dan Colson.

Her life and her love will forever be remembered by her loving and devoted sons, Mr. Jason White (Mia) and Mr. Jamayl White (Chelsea) of Leesburg, Georgia; her loving grandchildren, Jaidyn Bush, Jason White, Jr., Jase White, Kalise Marshal, Ja'ceon Johnson, Kingston Young, Jahmir White and Jamayl White, Jr.; a beloved brother, Deacon Willie Colson Jr. (Vanester) of Cordele, Georgia; a loving sister, Mrs. Brenda Fedrick (Gregory) of Cordele, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ruby Colson of Cordele, Georgia and Mrs. Charlie Mae Colson of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces and nephews, to include a special niece whom she  regarded as a daughter, Mrs. Tonya Colson-Starks (Bubba); her special cousins, Ms. Margie Hamm of Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Bobbie James of Huntsville, Alabama, and Ms. Linda White of Orlando, Florida; a host of other relatives and many sorrowing friends, to include, Ms. Gloria Barrett of Albany, Georgia, Mrs. Mary Starks (Michael), The Corbin Family and The Barrett Family.