Emma Lee Salley

Emma Lee Sanders Salley, the daughter of the late Joe and Genether Sanders, was born on April 10, 1933, in Round-O, South Carolina. She departed this life on July 27, 2023, at 3:00am. As the eldest of six siblings, Emma Lee took on the role of leader and caretaker. At age 17 she met Charles “Nen” Salley and married him at age 18 on December 29,1953. 

Shortly after their wedding, the couple moved to New York. They lived in Queens for over 50 years where they raised their two sons. Emma Lee worked as a hostess at Marriott Hotels until retirement in 1992. In 2004, she and Charles relocated to Walterboro, SC.

Emma Lee was best known for being outspoken and supporting family and friends. Her hobbies included shopping, traveling, and church activities.    

Emma Lee was also a faithful servant of the Lord. She served as a Deaconess at Bright Light Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York and Galilee Baptist Church in Round-O, South Carolina. At Bright Light Baptist she often organized fundraisers as part of the all-female Bubbling Brown Sugar Club.

Emma Lee leaves her legacy and memories to her sons, Vernon (Linda) and Garry (Itzel); and grandchildren: Alaya (Mark), Garrett, Charles, and Vaughan. She also leaves behind a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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