Mrs. Emma Jean Frierson

Emma Jean (Woods) Frierson passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the age of 83 years with her loving family by her side. Emma was born August 17, 1935 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Robert and Elizabeth (Akins) Woods. The family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan where she attended Saginaw Public Schools, graduating from Saginaw High School. Emma attended Delta College Nursing Program obtaining an Associate Degree in Science. She was employed as a registered nurse at Saginaw General Hospital, Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital, and retired from the Veteran’s Hospital in Saginaw, MI. Emma earned certifications from the University of Michigan in Geriatrics and Emergency Medicine, along with many other certifications, service awards and commendations. She also attended Saginaw Valley State University receiving a certification in Parish Nursing. Emma was married to Harry Frierson, Jr., the love of her life for 55 years. He preceded her in death in 2010. They were blessed to have three children, two sons, Dr. Ron (Dr. Georgette) Frierson and Bruce A. Frierson both of Saginaw, MI; one daughter, Cheryl Elizabeth (Pastor David) Nelson of Ann Arbor, MI; one brother, Robert (Armell) Woods, Saginaw, MI; one sister, Barbara McClellon of Ann Arbor, MI; five grandchildren, Ron Lamont Frierson, Jr., Los Angeles, CA, Damon Laverne Frierson of Detroit, MI, Gina Michelle Reed of Saginaw, MI, Danielle Elizabeth Nelson and Stephanie Nicole Nelson of Ann Arbor, MI; six great-grandchildren, Aarion Frierson Jones of Ypsilanti, MI, Diamond MyAngel Frierson of Toledo, OH, Nasir Slater of Maryland, Keke Mi’yai Jones, Kamille Michelle Reed and Khloe Madison Reed; two great-great-grandchildren, Andre Ahkai Jones and Jayden Jones; special son and daughters, nephew, Anthony West, Ms. Barbara Payne of Saginaw, MI and Mrs. Carolyn Spencer Harris of Sherman, TX; god-daughter, Sister Shirley Claybrook, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including Shirley Atkins of Flint, MI, Mrs. Charlene Porter and Vivian Rankins both of Saginaw, MI, Myra Coleman-Williams of Canton, MI, Tina Coleman of Flint, MI and Glenda Cross of Lansing, MI. Emma was a member of New Covenant Christian Center Church under the leadership of her son, Dr. Ron Frierson where she was church mother and also served in the health ministry department. She coordinated many of the church’s health fairs and programs. She loved to sing and listen to gospel music and was part of a gospel singing group for many years. She inherited her singing talent from her father, Robert Woods, Sr., as did other members of the family including her children, Cheryl, Bruce and Ronnie. She had other hobbies which included cooking and baking. She was an avid reader and continually kept abreast on things associated with the health industry. She had a special anointing on her life that allowed her to reach out and help those in need. She sent many cards and letters to those in need of an encouraging word and scripture without a return address listed on each letter or card. Our mom had a love and concern for her family and others that will be missed. She was the matriarch of our clan. Mrs. Emma J. Frierson was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Frierson, Jr.; her mother and father, Elizabeth and Robert Woods, Sr.; brothers, Leroy “Skeet” Woods, George Woods, James A. Woods, and Robert J. Woods; sisters, Jeanette Daniel and Mamie West; nephews, Dion Daniel, Michael Woods and Robert “Robbie” Woods, Jr.; niece, Tamera Wicker and many other family members. Special acknowledgements are recognized of Dr. Ernie Balcueva (St. Mary’s of Michigan Saginaw), Dr. Harpal Singh (Covenant Health Care-Saginaw), Dr. Emmitt Cole (U of M), Nurse Clare Heizelman (Covenant Health Care-Saginaw), Jodie Barden (St. Mary’s Ambulatory Care Unit), Reverence Home Health & Hospice, Christian Love Fellowship Ministries International, Ypsilanti, MI, Pastor Barbara Hill, the New Covenant Christian Center Church family, Mary Hare of Pretty Girls Beauty Salon in Saginaw, MI and Evans & Browne’s Funeral Home. On behalf of the family, thank you so much for your professional and loving care. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at New Covenant Christian Center, 2395 South Outer Drive, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Ron Frierson will officiate with entombment in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 950 North Center Road Saginaw, MI 48638. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Emma Jean Frierson

August 17, 1935 - December 23, 2018