Emma Person

Emma Lee Person, 98, a resident of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, and formerly a resident of East Main Street, Wilmington, Vermont, passed away December 18, 2018, at Wynwood House Personal Care Home surrounded by her family. Emma was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on January 12, 1920, the daughter of the late David Carr Murray and Rillie Cain. She was a graduate of South Huntington High School, New York, and attended evening classes at Pace College in New York. As a youth, she enjoyed playing violin, was in the drama club, and developed an interest in God and began going to church activities when missionary friends gave her a bible. As a young adult, Emma enjoyed skating and spending time with her friends, was a model, and was employed with Standard Oil Company of New Jersey as an administrative assistant, and then at 30 Rock in New York City. Emma's younger years were affected by The Great Depression and World War II, yet like so many others, she endured hardships with poise and resilience. Upon marriage to Arthur I. Person, she became wholly devoted to her family and spent many years caring for her children and making yummy meals and desserts as her love for cooking was fueled by her deep love for her family. Her love for God grew too as she continued with her interest in seeking God's presence in her life and life of her family, attending church and watching Billy Graham's crusades and reading his books. The family moved to Vermont in the 1960's and started an apartment rental family business in which Emma played a key management role. Emma was an avid reader, wrote poetry, enjoyed listening to the Metropolitan Opera on Saturday mornings, and loved to attend all the musical concerts performed by her children and grandchildren. Emma is survived by her children Arthur A. Person, Charles A. Person, and Janet M. Humphrey; granddaughters Amy L. Johns, Heather M. Jones, Brooke E. Person and Carissa F. Humphrey; grandsons Brandon T. Humphrey and Benjamin A. Person; great-granddaughters Aubrey M. Humphrey and Aberdeen M. Humphrey; and great-grandsons Evan K. Johns and Joseph K. Johns. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur I. Person whom she married in Huntington Station, New York, on May 22,1954, and her brothers Thomas A. Murray and David C. Murray. Funeral services for Emma were be held Saturday December 22, 2018, at 10 AM at Covey-Allen and Shea Funeral Home, 44 East Main Street, Wilmington, VT. A visiting hour was held one hour before from 9-10 AM. Interment will be held in the spring at Riverview Cemetery. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Emma's memory may be made to the Deerfield Valley Rescue Squad, Wilmington Fire Department or Meals on Wheels State College, PA, c/o Covey-Allen & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 215 Wilmington, VT 05363. Funeral services for Emma were be held Saturday December 22, 2018, at 10 AM at Covey-Allen and Shea Funeral Home, 44 East Main Street, Wilmington, VT. A visiting hour was held one hour before from 9-10 AM. Interment will be held in the spring at Riverview Cemetery.