Emma (Thomas) Ballard

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Emma Thomas Ballard was born on Sunday, October 9, 1932 to the late Frank Thomas and Emma Thomas McKnight in Clarendon County.

She was educated in the public schools of Clarendon County and was a member of the 1954 graduating class of Scott’s Branch High School. Emma continued her education at Lincoln Technical Institute of Nursing and Allen University in Columbia, SC. After 27 years, she retired from Clarendon Memorial Hospital.

Emma was a true child of God and was a member of Antioch U. M. E. Church in Rimini, South Carolina. She was a member of the Stewardess Board #1, Missionary Board, Kitchen Aide, Pulpit Aide, Ministerial Alliance Club, Usher Board and Junior Choir.

She was united in Holy matrimony to the late Jimmy R. Ballard and from this union, they were blessed with five children.

On Thursday, January 7, 2021, Emma Thomas Ballard entered into eternal rest at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Elgin, SC. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by a sister, Anna James and a son-in-law, Earl Stewart.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories, four daughters, Gayle Stewart of Rimini, SC, Wanda Harris and husband, Carlton Harris of Elgin, SC, Marcella Danzy and husband, Anthony Danzy and Alfreda Robinson, both of Columbia, SC; a son, Emmett Ballard and wife, Michelle Ballard of Waxhaw, NC; a granddaughter that was reared in the home, Latonya Stewart-Ivey and husband, Keith of Sumter, SC; a sister, Louise James of Pinewood, SC; a brother, Anderson Thomas of Sumter, SC; eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren; three loving Goddaughters, Nancy Pinckney, Jean Johnson and Lashae Dow; a Godson, Ronald Tillieand host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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