Emma Angeline Hendrix

…I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician, in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care. (In part taken from the ”Nightingale Pledge”) For Emma Angeline Wright Hendrix, being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, friend, aunt, matriarch, mentor, neighbor, counselor, confidante, and servant were all honorable callings. Moreover, she was a part of the generation that counted motherhood as a virtue because mothers knew the difference between a house and a home. A special event occurred on September 28, 1920, when Emma Angeline Wright was born as the eighth child of fourteen children. She was blessed with God fearing parents Albert and Anna Dorn Wright who, by example, taught Christian values, integrity and ingenuity that resulted in a solid and caring family environment. Her parents were highly respected among friends and neighbors in Perla, Arkansas. Since Emma’s birth Perla has never been the same. She confessed her faith in Christ at a tender age where she united with New Director Baptist Church in Perla, Arkansas. She later united with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and lastly joining First Missionary Baptist Church, Rockport where served dutifully as a deaconess and with the WMU. She received her spiritual nourishment and inspiration in the church and learned how to be a servant. Emma’s early life was that of a vibrant young girl who attended the Malvern Colored public schools through the 9th grade and received her high school diploma from Arkansas Baptist College. Her compassion and care for mankind sparked her interest in nursing. She earned her LPTN license from Arkansas State Hospital-Benton Unit where she spent 20 devoted years caring for patients until her retirement in 1988. On October 14, 1943 she showed her love for Rosboro Hendrix by saying “I do” in holy matrimony. To this union five children were born. She was a member of the Matrons a popular ladies club that served as a social agency for life’s enjoyment during that time. She preached kindness, respect of self and others. She possessed a strong work ethic, gentle demeanor and subtle degree of sophistication. Her angelic face was always a portrait of serenity and composure. Her natural wit and humor could chase the chill from any room. After 43 wonderful years of sharing life with Rosboro, Sr., her devoted husband was called to glory to be with the Lord on April 9, 1987. She was also preceded in transition by her doting parents; her sisters, Mary A. Wright, Hazel (Taft) Ward, Annie L. (Harold) Ashley, Susie A. (James) Bryant, Bernice (Charlie) McGhee and Eunice Wright; brothers, Albert Wright, Robert Wright, Edward L. (Dessie) Wright, Rev. George Wright, Deprist Wright and Willie A. Wright; and a son-in-law, Roscoe Robertson, On Thursday, January 2, 2014, in her 93rd season of life she began her eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. Her memory will be etched in the minds of Rosboro Hendrix, Jr. of Arkadelphia, his four children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; Shelly Maurice Hendrix of Perla, AR, his one child and three grandchildren; Shelia C. Robertson of Jonesboro, GA, her two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; Bernastene Hendrix of Little Rock, AR, her two children and three grandchildren; and Jerry L. Hendrix of Little Rock, AR his two children. There remains living only one of the other 13 siblings Mary E. Warren of Chicago, IL; one sister-in-law, Willie Lee Wright of Morrilton, AR; a special friend Lucy M. Lagrande of Malvern, AR. She has twenty-two nieces and nephews along with a host of many other family members and friends. The final celebration and tribute to her life will be shared at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9th at First Missionary Baptist Church-Rockport. The body will lie in repose from 11:00 until 12:10 p.m. Dr. J. N. McCollum will officiate. The interment will be in Perla Cemetery in Perla, Arkansas. Public visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8th from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in repose at her residence 22047 Hwy 67, Perla, Arkansas from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. and the family will greet and receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.