Emma Jean Cooley, born on March 18, 1965, a lifelong resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away on December 14, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted Baptist who attended Little Rock Baptist Church and carried a joyous spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Emma Jean loved blues music, a reflection of her vibrant soul, and cherished her family above all else. Her favorite meals were red beans and rice and chicken, and she delighted in celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas, when her warmth and joy shone brightest.

Her parents, Samuel Cooley, and Emma Jean Bridges, instilled in her a deep sense of family that she carried throughout her life. Known for her loving but protective nature, Emma Jean was a keeper of her brothers-teasing them herself but allowing no one else to do so. She adored her four children and found immense joy in her 11 grandchildren.

Emma Jean was preceded in death by three sisters, Sammary Harris, Rose Richardson and Dorothy Jean Cooley; and two brothers, Nathaniel May, and Samuel Cooley.

She leaves to cherish her memory her four loving children; Rose Cooley, Atic Cooley, Alice (DJ) Stewart, and Michael Cooley; her parents, Samuel Cooley, and Emma Jean Bridges; two sisters, Ann Clavrie and Doreatha Cooley; three brothers, Jerry May, Jerome Gardner, and Willie Cooley and eleven grandchildren.

Emma Jean shared more than 40 wonderful years with her loving companion, Michael Ray, with whom she created countless cherished memories.

Her joyous spirit, love of family, and special way of bringing people together will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she leaves behind.