Mrs. Athalene D. Emory, 91 of Wilson, died on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at her residence. Respecting recent CDC and governmental health guidelines, a private funeral and burial are planned for immediate family. However at a later date, there will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for other family and friends. Public viewing will be on Friday, May 22, 2020 from 2-6 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home. Direct condolences to edwardscares.com. Professional and personal services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 805 Nash Street East in Wilson, NC.

OBITUARY

Athalene Emory, "Lene" as she was affectionately known, departed this life on Saturday May16, 2020 at the age of 91.

Athalene's lifelong vocation and avocation was teaching.  During her 40 plus years of teaching high school students, adults and children, she touched and enriched literally thousands of lives. In 1988 she received the Governor's award for Excellence in Teaching Language Arts/English from then Governor James G. Martin.  Athalene derived pure joy from helping others learn.

Service to others was hallmark of her life.  Athalene worked as a hospice volunteer for more than 10 years, served as a 4-H chapter leader, and church youth fellowship leader.

She served also as a choir director as she was a talented musician.  To be sure, she was a devoted mother, mother in law, and grandmother. However, Athalene's love for and relationship with her Frank, was the bedrock of all other relationships in her life.  She drew energy from family gatherings and enjoyed them immensely.

She was born on October 28 1928 in Edgecombe County, the 8 ^th of 9 children born to Cambridge and Vedie Dancy, all of whom predeceased her. Athalene was a graduate of Bennett College.  She also did graduate study at North Carolina Central University at Durham and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Athalene was married for 64 years to Frank Edward Emory and to that union two children were born, Frank Jr. (Lisa) and Carlos Randolph (Tammy).