Emma Lee Ackerman

Sister Emma Lee Coger Simmons Ackerman was born to the late Charlene and Ed Coger in Ellenton, FL on August 20th, 1948. She is the fifth oldest daughter of seven siblings (Anna Jo Basnite, Rachel Mae Sanders, Eartha Lee Bryant, Helen Powell, Gwendolyn Coger, and LeRon Coger). Her family later relocated to Palmetto, FL where she was a lifelong resident.

She graduated from Lincoln Memorial High School and attended some college locally. She enjoyed a long career positively enriching the lives of children for over thirty years in the Manatee County School Board, where she later retired. She won many awards and was most proud of successfully planning the James Tillman Elementary Reunion.  After retirement, she started a business that focused on assisting families during their time of bereavement called, “Helping Hands”. Sister Emma’s compassion and care for people made her a pillar of her community and beloved by many. Sister Emma loved her church. She was a proud member of the Mount Raymond Full Gospel Baptist church, where she served in various capacities throughout the years.

The devotion and empathy that Sister Emma exhibited towards the community was even more deeply experienced by her family. She is the mother of three children (John Simmons, Pamela Simmons – Harris & Donald Harris). She is the grandmother of six grandchildren (Brittany Simmons, La’Trina & Jared Williams, Johnathan Simmons, Jerry Dawson, & Josh Simmons).   She is a bonus mom (Thomasena Johnson), a bonus sister (Thelma Scott, Carolyn Graham, Mazie Graham & Lorie Keaton), a bonus grandmother (Keeyawna Ametepey & Michelle Palenzuela), a cousin, and more amazing that words can ever express.

Sister Emma joined her loved ones in heaven on October 18th, 2024, surrounded by her family in her home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emma Lee Ackerman, please visit our floral store.