Emma Jean Lowe

was born in Chicago on September 15, 1937 to Flozell and Herbert Lowe. "Jeanie," as she was affectionately called by her family, moved to Evanston when she was 10 years old. Her family purchased a home at 2000 Wesley and were quickly embraced by the neighborhood. Jeanie, being an only child, made friends easily and loved her new community. She attended Evanston Public Schools and thrived in reading and writing. Her favorite activities were roller skating, bike riding, going to the movies, and shopping.

Emma and Theodore Logan met as teenagers and married in 1956. To this union, five children were born; Darlene, Rodney, Kathleen, Annette and Cheryl. Emma was a stay-at-home mom when her kids were young. Later she worked with the Head Start Program, Orrington Elementary School and Haven Middle School. She worked as a coordinator for the school bus aides. Emma had strong ties with the black educators like Brenda Heffner, Delores Holmes, Lorraine Morton and Cheryl Cherry. The education and safety of the kids was very important to them.

The neighborhood children and their parents were fond of "Ms. Logan." You would often see her transporting kids to various activities in her yellow and brown station wagon. She once supervised a group of young boys on a field trip that enhanced their horizons. Emma encouraged them to dress appropriately and have good manners. It was not unusual to see her combing kid's hair on her porch while they waited for the school bus. She loved them as if they were her own.

Emma's children participated in the Gay Blades Drum & Bugle Corp under the leadership of Allen "Bo" Price. She was a dedicated volunteer who chaperoned trips, provided snacks, transportation and helped organize fundraisers for uniforms and equipment. Emma was involved in the PTA, and a very active Fifth Ward resident. Her strong advocacy work was for underserved children. She would often attend community meetings where she was vocal about the rights of African Americans, especially children and senior citizens. Emma received a Certificate of Honor for Wisdom, Wit & Worth, a celebration of Black Elders in the City of Evanston.

Emma and her children were members of Second Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Hycel B. Taylor. She later transferred her membership to First Church of God Christian Life Center, where Michael D. Curry was the pastor. She remained a faithful member under Rev. Monte´ L.G. Dillard.

In 1981, Emma married Carl Harmon. They were active in the annual Wild Bunch picnics, enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, entertaining and cooking until his passing in 1995.

Emma was employed at The Mather Home, The Swedish Retirement Home, and The Georgian. Her favorite was the Presbyterian Homes where she worked as a Concierge for thirteen years. The residents were very fond of her. They referred to her as that tall, classy lady at the front desk who dressed well and was always so friendly. Emma was known for going the extra mile to respond to their inquiries. She made them feel special by listening to their many stories of joy and pain. She was a member of the City of Evanston's Commission on Aging for six years.

Emma was a strong, kind, fun-loving woman who enjoyed the simple things in life: cooking for her friends and family, going to church, dancing, attending social events like the Annual Delta luncheon, and going to the Starlight Concerts in the summertime. She loved watching the Chicago Bulls play during the Michael Jordan days, talk shows and CNN. Her favorite TV programs were: Akeelah and the Bee, Grey's Anatomy, and the Golden Girls.

Emma departed this life on April 7, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents. Her memory will be cherished by her children: Darlene (Craig) Francellno, Rodney Logan, Kathleen (Paul) Wallace, Annette Logan, Cheryl (Kevin) Brown; her sister, Lowellen Cooksey, and her grandchildren: Christopher Logan, Blake (Tamara) Wallace, Carmen Francellno, Cema Wallace and her devoted caregiver, Beatrice Arnold, and a host of friends and family. Emma will be missed by all who knew and loved her.