Emogene Wilder, 78, of Battle Creek, Michigan, transitioned on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Select Specialty Hospital of Battle Creek, with her husband by her side. She was born on May 19, 1938, the daughter of Lewis Summerville and Charity (Hill) Summerville in Aliceville, AL. She graduated from Sommerville High School as Valedictorian, and she attended college for a year before moving to Detroit. It was there that she met and married Johnnie Wilder.
In 1960, the Wilders moved to Battle Creek where she became a licensed cosmetologist and worked at McGee’s beauty salon for several years . She later opened her own home salon while working nights at the state home. While raising four children, she enrolled at Western Michigan University. A determined and hard worker, she graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work. She retired after 25 years of compassionate service from the V.A. Medical Center .
Emogene is survived by her Husband of 58 years - Johnnie Wilder of Battle Creek, Michigan; Two Daughters, Vanessa Wilder of Seattle, WA, Sandra Wilder of Chicago, IL; Two Sons, Gerard (LaVena) Wilder of Houston, TX, Kevin (Lynn) Wilder of Battle Creek, MI; Four Brothers, Ernestine Summerville of Carrolton, AL, Louis (Patricia) Summerville of Raleigh, NC, Battle (Robin) Summerville of Kansas City, KS; John Eddins of Cadinuga, Tennessee; .Six Sisters, Virginia (Adolph) Hughes, Mary Rowe of Birmingham, AL, Linda (Robert) Forte of Tuscaloosa, AL, Patricia Summerville of New York, Jeanette (Charles) Coleman of Grand Rapids; Jamie Eddins of Tucaloosa, Al. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sisters, El Nora Huffman, and Geneva Blount, and brothers, Wilbert, Alfonzo and Sam Summerville.
Emogene was a exciting solist in church and a member of several gospel singing groups. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and was a Youth Director for many years. Gene was an enthusiastic and committed servant of God. A Life Member of NAACP, member of Urban League, and National Society of Social Workers.
She was a Godly women, who took pride in creating a wonderful home for her family. Emogene was always sharing her love and wisdom with her grandchildren. And she he got great joy out of spoiling her great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Emogene’s life will be held at the New Birth Bible Church, 360 NE Capital, on Saturday, July 16th. Visitation with the family will be at 2pm and the memorial service at 3pm. Pastor Keith McDonald will be officiating.