Obituary of Emma Blakey Kirk

Emma Blakey Kirk, age 96, died Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Cerenity Care Center on Humboldt, St. Paul. A Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, June 20 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, with the Reverend Dr. Fredrick Bacon officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church (11 AM-Noon.) Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Burch, Gordon Burch, Boyd Collins, and Richard Roby. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the Hallie Q. Brown Men's Group. Emma Albertine Blakey Kirk , was born to J. Amity and Lottie Blakey on June 10, 1916 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Emma moved to Minnesota after graduating from Washington Senior High School in 1934 to work for the St. Paul Recorder until 1954 when she went to work for the Wilder Foundation Children's Services as a part-time secretary / stenographer. After six months, her status changed to full-time. In May, 1962, she became a counselor. On July 13, 1946, Emma married James Kirk in Milbank, South Dakota. They were married 65 years until his death in 2011. Emma was a very active member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, having joined in 1947. She was baptized by the Reverend Floyd Massey and was the first woman in the history of Pilgrim to hold the position of Chairperson of the Trustee Board (1986-1987.) She served in numerous capacities, was a member of the A.F.M. Finance and Budget Committee, member of the Women's Federation of Pilgrim Baptist, Chair of House Committee, and Chair of the 125th Anniversary Book Committee. Emma loved her church dearly and during her later years, she always yearned to be there. Emma was a classy woman. She loved to garden and fish with her husband. She was a member of the Sterling Club, the Jet Set Social Club, and President of Twin Star V.F.W. Auxilliary No. 8854 for ten years, and also held many other offices. Emma was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Kirk, Jr.; her parents, Amity and Lottie Blakey. She is survived by her brothers, Amity and Ronald (Darlene); sistes, Freda Long and Marjorie Garrison; step-daughter, Gabriella McDonald; step-son, James Kirk III; sister-in-law, Beverly Gayton; brother-in-law, Gordon Kirk; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and host of friends. Arrangements entrusted to the Spielman Mortuary.