Emma Gaines, age 96, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 7, 2017, in Rochester, NY. She was born on July 5, 1921 in Sumter, South Carolina to Rosa Holiday and Frank Billie. Emma is survived by her brothers Clyde (Annie Mae, deceased) Billie and James Elijah Billie; son, Frank (Julia) Dow; grandchildren
Emmanuel (Marissa) Dow, Rock Hill, NC, Belinda Dow, Kathryn Shereen (Darnell) Anderson; and a host of great-grand children, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by brothers Frankie Billie, Bleese Billie, and Timothy Billie; and sisters Elizabeth Blakeley, and Rosa West.

Emma grew up in South Carolina and settled in Rochester in the late '70s to be near
her son and his family. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking southern foods for
friends and family. Emma loved crafts such as crocheting, painting bird and little
houses, and ceramics.

Emma was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and loved gospel music, going to
church and listening to the choir.

Emma worked at Hillside Children's Home and retired from Hurlbut Nursing Home. She
will always be remembered as a kind and loving woman who touched the lives of many
people. Emma will be missed by all that knew and loved her.