Emma Stokes Raynor, 77, of Wallace left this earthly life on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 for her new eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was born on December 26, 1938 in Duplin County and was the daughter of the late Jacob D. Stokes, Sr. and Meata Carter Stokes. Also lovingly remembered is her daughters, Diane Raynor (infant) and Patricia "Pat" Hanchey who passed away in 2013 and her brother, Willie Mitchell Stokes.

Emma was a dedicated and active member of Northeast Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church where she served for over 10 years as Women's Ministries President, served 30 years in the nursery and sang in the church choir. Emma loved her church and her church family dearly and was always there to help in any way she could to help further the Kingdom of God.

Surviving to cherish her memories is her best friend and devoted husband of 59 years, Mack Neill Raynor of Wallace; her loving daughter, Delean K. Wooten and husband, Chuck of Maple Hill; son-in-law, Johnny Hanchey of Wallace; grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye, Fayth H. Herring and husband, Chris, Alanna Hanchey, Stephen Knowles and wife, Katie and Brian Knowles; great grandchildren, Jonae Herring, Taylor Herring, Hayes Moore, Parker Knowles and Wyatt Knowles; brothers, J.D. Stokes, Jr. and Russell Stokes, both of Wallace and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Emma was a loving wife and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She found great joy in the simplest of things, but her greatest joy was her family. She was one that was willing to help others in any way she could and would go out of her way to do so. Being the centerpiece of her family, Emma was the glue that held everyone and everything together. Many children who knew Emma knew her as Ms. Emma or Ma-Ma. They knew that she loved them and they loved her in return. Emma was blessed with a love for the Lord; her faith and family help her through an extended illness. Today she is with her Lord and with her children that she missed so much. We do not say "Goodbye" to Emma, we say "See You Later". Emma will surely be missed but wonderful memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral service will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Northeast PFWB Church, Hanchey Road, Wallace, NC with the Reverend Gary Manning, The Reverend Sam Sumner and her pastor, the Reverend Tyler Jernigan officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall at Northeast PFWB and other times at Mack and Emma's home.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Friday morning at Charles Wooten Cemetery, NC Hwy 53, Maple Hill, NC.

Casketbearers will be Chris Herring, Stephen Knowles, Brian Knowles, Hayes Moore Brandon Kelly and Will Cavenaugh.

Honorary casketbearers will be members of the Women's Ministries of Northeast PFWB.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be sent in Emma's memory to Northeast PFWB Church, 129 Hanchey Road, Wallace, NC 28466.

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