Obituary of Emma Mae Henri

On Monday, September 26, with the soft music of Mahalia Jackson singing Jericho, Emma Mae Amos Henri quietly passed from this earth. Born in Portsmouth Virginia, Emma's greatest love was her family. Despite having many degrees, including a Masters in psychology, she gave up her career to raise her family. Her family loved and loves her deeply. She leaves her loving husband of seventy years, Col. Axel Henri, her twin daughters, Anita and Erica, and her son Axel Jr. - who all knew she was "the Best Mom in the World". Emma received many awards including "Citizen of the Year 1991" for her superior contributions to the African American community by the Omega PSI fraternity. She received a Certificate of Appreciation for her efforts to curb domestic violence in Fairfax County. She was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority for over sixty-five years. She also was a member of the League of Women Voters for fifty years and a long-time member of the National Council of Negro Women. She served as Choir Director and Organist for more than twenty musical organizations in Korea, Europe and the United States. The world was a better place with her and is a little worse without her. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon with an Alpha Kappa Alpha Memorial at 11:30 and funeral services beginning at Noon at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 432 Van Buren St., Herndon, VA 20170. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hampton Institute at Office of Development, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668. Interment Chestnut Grove Cemetery. On-line condolences may be made at adamsgreen.com