Emma Jean Windom

Emma Jean Windom was born on October 13, 1933, to Leroy and Ruby Windham in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

 She was baptized at the age of 13. In 1958, she moved from Mississippi to Joliet, Illinois, where she began her career in the healthcare industry at Four Seasons Nursing Home and later at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Emma found it rewarding to support adults with special needs and enjoyed her coworkers. She retired on November 30, 2012.

After spending 62 years in Joliet, in 2019, Emma moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to be closer to family. She frequently had visitors, especially her family, and particularly enjoyed visits from her good friends Dan and Donna Galindo on her birthday. Emma loved cooking and experimenting with new recipes. Her favorite desserts to make were mini-cheesecakes, 1,000-dollar cake, and pineapple upside-down cake.

She enjoyed talking with her nieces from Chicago, Mississippi, Atlanta, Saginaw, and Kalamazoo, as well as her nephews. Emma was a kind person who always offered good advice when asked. She was comical and always made others laugh at her she kept her mind sharp by engaging in puzzles and staying up to date on the latest news and trending topics. She always had interesting stories to share. Emma loved decorating inside and outside of her home. Every corner of her space was a testament to her vibrant spirit and creativity. Her unique style brought warmth and joy to all who visited, making her home a true reflection of her beautiful soul.

Emma Jean Windom departed this life on January 28, 2025, peacefully at home with her beloved family by her side. She was the last of six siblings. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. She was preceded in death by her: parents, Leroy and Ruby Windham; daughter, Terrie Simmons; granddaughter, Lundon Steed; sisters, Pauline Bell, Ruthie Clark, Annie Ree Durham, and Sarah Jones; and brother, Lewis Windham.

She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Diane Windom: son, Jessie Windom; grandchildren, Michael Windom, Tristan Steed, Kanika Sims, and Travon Weithers: great-grandchildren, Ayana Windom, Tristan Steed Jr., Tyler Steed, Xavier Pointer, Raven Pointer, Devante Sims, A'onesty Steed-Smith, and A'vion Collins; great-great-grandchildren, Jahmari Lee Windom-Porter and Zaeden Steed-Bishop; and a host of nieces and nephews.

“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love."

Lamentations 3:32