Emma Lee Brunken

Mom,

Thank you for everything; your love, support, caring and being there for us every step of the way. You will never know how much you meant to us or how deeply you have enriched our lives.

Emma Lee (Jones) Brunken, 92, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

Mom was born on July 8, 1931, in Annona, Texas, Red River County. She was the daughter of Homer Grady and Mary Zula (Warthan) Jones and one of six children including sisters Jean and Rose and brothers Nick, Jimmy, and Harry. She graduated from Stark High School in 1947 at the age of sixteen as Valedictorian of her class. She was awarded a college scholarship but opted to stay in Orange and work as a Bell Telephone Operator.

Emma met John, a U.S Navy sailor, who was stationed at the naval base in Port Orange, on a blind date and was married four months later in December 1950 at the age of nineteen.

Mom was on the move north with Dad, who was briefly stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, before he left the military where son John was born. They headed further north to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Dad’s family resided and where Mark was born.

Mom was fiercely devoted to her family and deeply loved in return. She always put others first and never drew attention to herself. She personified quiet humility but always conveyed insightful and perceptive observations when she chose to speak. She was a calm and strong role model for her children and grandchildren, attending their school events and celebrating every milestone of their lives with them. Mom and Dad hosted summer stayovers at their home in Lewes, Delaware creating happy times and lifelong memories for their grandchildren. She was the glue that kept us connected with family in Texas and California. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her beloved brothers and sisters and their families and was never happier than at family reunions and visits. In her spare time, she loved to read mystery books, go to the theater, or watch classic movies.

Mom is survived by her husband, John and her sons, John and Mark and their wives Jacalyn and Claire, her sister Rose Mary and her husband Ron West and sisters-in-law Sue Jones and Doris Jones along with grandchildren James, Jessica, Mike and Matt and great grandchildren Paige, Wes, Kate, Jake, and Livy.

Mom elected to be cremated and defer any memorial service until Dad passes. We would kindly ask that you send messages of condolences to John and family at:

John Brunken

Cokesbury Village

726 Loveville Road

Apartment B6

Hockessin, DE 19707

Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home

Condolences may be made by visiting www.MeyersFh.com