Emma L Washington

September 8, 1941 - April 15, 2020

Emma Louise Washington age died Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at MUSC. Emma was the third of five children born to Amie Lee and Fred Peterson on September 8, 1941 in Norfolk, VA. She received her early education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. She was among the first students to integrate and graduate from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1959. In 1960 she married the late Rudolph Ridley, they moved from Virginia to Brooklyn, New York via Washington D.C., years later they moved to Queens New York. After Rudy’s death Emma attended the New School for Social Research and took certificate courses in business and social studies at York College. She was a very active member of St. Clement Pope Catholic Church. Emma was Vice President of the Rosary Society, Lector and Eucharist Minister she trained future Lectors and prepared schedules for Lectors and Eucharist Minster and chaired many social events. Emma and husband Leonard J. Washington were married at The Clement Pope Catholic Church on September 1, 1991. They resided in Queens, New York until 2006 when they relocated to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina and became members of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. She was a Lector, Eucharist Minister, Spiritual Facilitator for the Women’s Club, chaired Communion breakfast and Day of Reflector. Due to health issues these activities ceased to be and is now a sustaining member. She volunteered at Father Pat’s lunch kitchen and stuffed church bulletins. Emma is survived by her husband, Leonard Washington; a brother, James Peterson (Kathy); nieces; nephews and a host of friends. Due to the Covid-19 Virus, a private funeral mass will be held at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church with inurnment to follow in the church’s columbarium. Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.