Emma Jean Edwards Gresham, 84, of Greenwood, widow of Hyland Brooks Gresham, Sr., passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Self Regional Medical Center.

Born on December 11, 1941 in Ernul, NC, she was a daughter of the late Alvin McCoy Edwards and Lucille Knox Chauncey.

Emma’s heart was defined by an unconditional love that knew no boundaries. She embraced everyone she met with open arms, regardless of their background, seeing every person through the eyes of grace. A deeply giving and selfless soul, she spent her life putting others before herself, making sure her family was always cared for.

As a proud military wife, Emma packed up her life time and again, relocating across the country. No matter where the military stationed her family, Emma had a rare gift for turning every new house into a warm, welcoming home. Wherever she landed, her very first step was finding a church family. A member of Springs of Eternal Faith, her devotion to Christ was profound and joyful.

Her family was her greatest earthly treasure. Nothing brought her more happiness than having her home filled with the laughter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Birthdays were never truly complete without her famous, labor-of-love carrot cake, a tradition every family member eagerly anticipated each year.

Emma leaves behind a rich legacy of inherent love, unwavering faith, and deep family devotion. Her memory will be held forever in the hearts of her loved ones, who take peace in knowing she is now resting in the eternal presence of the Lord she served so faithfully.

She is survived by her children, Debra Gorman (Wendell "Dee"), Teresa Hall, and Lisa Crouch; daughter-in-law, Velvet Gresham; sisters, Freida Furman and Kathy Boyd; brother, Andy Chauncey; grandchildren, Kasey Corbin (Aaron), Emily McFerrin (Justin), Isaac Gorman, Ashley Furman (Chris), Tasha Nicole Wood Gillian (Justin), Alton B. Gresham (Christina), Elizabeth Crouch (Samantha Waller), Brooke Price (Mikey), Hyland C. Gresham (Lauren), Ashriel Gresham (John), and Sterling Gresham; and thirty great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Hyland, she was preceded in death by her son, Hyland Brooks Gresham, Jr.; sister, Francis Jackson; brother, Charles Edwards; and granddaughter, Summer Gorman.