Mrs. Emma O. Gunn

Emma Mae Owens Gunn was born September 8, 1922 in Nashville, Tennessee to Sam and Zena Owens. She was a graduate of Pearl High School class of 1940. She attended Fisk University and was a graduate of Tennessee State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters in Reading. In 1945 Emma married Leonard J. Gunn Sr.. To this union three beautiful children were birthed: Virginia Joyce, Leonard Joseph Jr. and Jake Daniel. She enjoyed raising her children.

Emma was employed at Meharry Medical College for many years in the Reading Lab supporting graduate students in their studies by coaching and tutoring them as they matriculated in the medical program to become future doctors and leaders in the medical profession. Emma was an avid reader. She would read books, newspapers, magazines and other journals for hours stopping to “dog ear” pages in books, clip articles and other various clippings of interest. With these articles, she would always have some one’s name written at the top of the clipping and would be sure to pass the information on to them.

Emma joined the Catholic Faith in the mid 60’s and was a faithful member of St. Vincent dePaul Church on Heiman Street, in Nashville, TN until her death. She was a member of Jack and Jill Club, which she joined to support and enrich the lives of her children. Emma enjoyed seeing new places and traveled to Rome, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and other exciting venues around the country. Emma spent many years serving on the board of South Street Center. She always liked to be on the go, even if it was just to the mall taking the scenic route and periodically picking up her grandchildren from school after she retired. She enjoyed conversations with her granddaughters and even participated in giving them driving lessons during their adventurous outings. She was lovingly known as “Mama Em”.

Emma is now present with the Lord. She is preceded in death by her husband Leonard Joseph Gunn Sr, her daughter Virginia Joyce Gunn, and her son Jake Daniel Gunn. She leaves to mourn her son and faithful caregiver, Leonard J. Gunn Jr., Daughter–in-law, Dorothy Gunn, four granddaughters, Jada Gunn Johnson, (Michael), Leah Gunn of Minnesota, Zena Gunn of Nashville, TN and Brianna Gunn of Washington, D. C., three great grandsons Braxton Gunn, Michael Johnson III, and Elijah Johnson, a special friend, JD Griggs, a loving nephew; Ledford Owens, and several other nephews, nieces, cousins, dear friends and church members.

All who encountered her loving spirit and joyful smile will truly miss her. She touched all of our hearts. Her sudden departure will be a great loss, but we take comfort in knowing the longevity of her memory. Graveside service on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Greenwood Historic Cemetery at 11:00am.