EMMA MITCHEM

Emma Jean Mitchem was born on July 8, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Lula Johnson Thompson and Oscar Thompson.

Emma accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a faithful member of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member for more than 70 years.

On June 13, 1958, Emma was united in holy matrimony to Dean Zearl Mitchem. Their loving union was blessed with two daughters, Debra Mitchem Skinner and Pamela Mitchem Hilson.

Emma attended Crispus Attucks High School, where she completed the 11th grade. She began her career at Wishard Hospital, first serving as a Nurse's Aide and later as a housekeeper for more than 30 years. After retiring to lovingly care for her parents, she returned to Wishard Hospital, where she faithfully worked for another ten years.

Emma never met a stranger. She had an outgoing personality and loved being the center of attention. She enjoyed laughing, talking about the goodness of God, and was never afraid to speak her mind. Her joyful spirit and warm heart made every gathering brighter.  Sharing her faith was one of Emma's greatest passions. She loved introducing others to Jesus Christ and never missed an opportunity to invite someone to Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. She faithfully served on the Usher Board, participated in the Missionary Ministry, and was a member of the Birthday Club. Emma 's unwavering faith in God and her message of forgiveness touched the lives of many.

On June 18, 2026, at the age of 85 years, Emma peacefully departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley Bailey; brother, Richard Thompson; her daughter, Debra Jean Skinner, and her grandson, Eric White.

Emma leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Pamela Elaine Hilson and her son-in-love, Kevin Hilson, Covington, Kentucky; grandsons, Tony D. White, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Dante D. Gill, Indianapolis, Indiana, Christopher D. (Tiffany) Guy, Indianapolis, Indiana, Jerry L. White, Houston Texas, and David L. Skinner, Mishawaka, Indiana; granddaughter, Deliciya Skinner, Genesee, Michigan; her sisters, Jeanette (Morris) Lee,

Villisa D. Mitchem, and Terrell Seymour; great-grandsons Amouris, Trevin, Xavier, Paris, Andrew, Rain, Jafari, and Demon, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

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