Emma Mae Howell Crum

Emma (Howell) Crum, 78, passed away on June 27, 2026, in Lake County, IL.

Emma was born in Princeton, West Virginia. She married Roger L. Gilley on August 15, 1964. She was a member of  Gages Lake Bible Church and also attended The Sign of The Dove Church. Emma volunteered in various ways at nursing homes, served the blind and caregiver to her sister and mother. She was a friend to the homeless, holding many conversations over breakfast while feeding them showing her sharing and caring personality. Emma was a creative person and artist, wrote poems, creating crafts and woodworking. In the 1970’s and 80’s, she was a competitive disco dancer and competitive tennis player. She served in her church in various capacities such as hospitality, church greeter, ran the kitchen and taught Awana. Emma loved the lord and walked close to God sharing her faith and was a prayer warrior. Emma will be remembered by her children as a loving mother and friend as well as their biggest cheerleader.

She is survived by her children, Tammy (Jason) Arey, Cynthia (Michael) Metcalf and Laura L. Gilley; grandchildren, Ashley Sam and Sierra (Jonathan) Uttangi; great-grandson, Harrison Sam; siblings, John William (Sue) Howell Sr, Douglas McArthur Howell and Susie Jane Rae Howell; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Emma is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Luedeema Howell; sisters, Mary Farmer and Agnes E. Bratton; sister-in-law, Phyllis Howell and brother-in-law, Donald J. Bratton.

A celebration of life will take place July 25, 2026, at Gages Lake Bible Church, 18788 W Gages Lake Rd, Gages Lake, IL at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Lunch will follow after the service.

If sending flowers they can be delivered to Gages Lake Bible Church only on July 25, 2026 between the hours of 9:00am - 10:00am.