Service Details
The funeral services will be private for the family but may be streamed on YouTube Live. The services will be available by stream on Friday, February 5th. Visitation will start at 10:00am and the funeral service will be at 11:00am. Emma will be entombed at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee which is also private for the family.
Stream Link: https://youtu.be/6db23WQqM6s
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Emma Grace Bruce was born in Etta Mississippi on June 11, 1928 to George Bruce and Deolia (Visor) Bruce. At an early age Emma devoted her life to God. She was a fashionista. Living up to her middle name being poised with Grace. She was an elegant lady who would dress herself up like a runway model. Her style was that of the name she carried so dearly at all times. Walking with her head held high and never wavering a step. Emma stepped with the regal elegance of a Gazelle and nothing could stop her from achieving her goals once her mind was made up. She was stern yet compassionate and once she started laughing it was a show all by itself. Emma loved to be surrounded by love and she enveloped a décor of togetherness.
On September 29, 1990 Emma and Sylvester were married and their marriage of thirty years was filled with love, laughter, and joy. Emma’s last moments were spent doing what she loved the most and that was being enveloped in the love of her husband. Her departure on January 23, 2021 left a hole that can never be filled. Emma is missed and will forever be missed. She left her footprints in the sands on this planet and was blessed with 92 years of life.
Emma leaves behind those she loved to celebrate her life on this planet as it was a life filled with fond memories of unity and adventure. She lived a full life doing what she wanted to do because she knew that time, no matter how much you have, is precious, and something that should not be taken for granted. She paved the way for others by leading by example and using her words of wisdom to encourage and motivate others. She was never short on advice nor ways to solve whatever problems that were presented to her by others.
Emma lived a life that warrants celebration and wanted those who knew her to relish in the fact that her love will still remain with you because only her body is gone. Be happy with that love and those memories as they will still remain with you.
Cherish those happy moments that you have of Emma and use them to cope when moments of sadness come, because those moments will come. Emma would want you to enjoy your gift of life and live in the moment because your time is the most valuable resource you have on this planet.
Emma was preceded in death by her son Bernard Smith, her parents George and Deolia Bruce, her siblings; Louis Bruce and Elwood Bruce.
Those left behind to carry on her legacy of love are her husband Sylvester Rucker, her son Wilbur (Linda) Smith, her daughter by marriage Victoria Amidou, her son by marriage Fitzgerald Massey, and her son by marriage Anthony (Shar) Simpson. Her siblings, Pauline Goree of Shannon, MS, Percy (Barbara) of Batesville, MS, Geneva Murphy of Dania, FL, Verneice Bruce-Henderson of Milwaukee, WI, Warren (Jearlene) Bruce of Oxford, MS, Calvin (Desmar) Bruce of Brown Deer, WI, Rose Mary Bruce of Brown Deer, WI, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Janice Weeden says
I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce, your family arenin my prayers. God bless.
With Love from Big brother Percy Floyd Bruce, dear sister-in-law Barbara Ann Bruce, and the Atlanta, Memphis, and Mississippi. says
“Go Down, Death” by James Weldon Johnson Weep not, weep not, She is not dead; She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus. Heart-broken FAMILY–weep no more; Heart-broken husband–weep no more; Grief-stricken son–weep no more; Left-lonesome brothers weep no more
The Wanzo Family says
Rev Rucker and Family: You are in our thoughts and prayers.May God keep you in his loving arms during this difficult time.
Jenna N Finley says
Rev. Rucker and Family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences. You and the family have been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! Cousin Emma was the SWEETEST! Beautiful, classy, strong, and loving. She will be missed dearly.
Jenna, Edna, and Lee Finley
Michelle Cedeno says
Aunt Emma will be greatly missed. She was a kind, loving and giving soul. May you all find peace, joy and comfort in this time.
Frank & Etter Anderson says
Our sincere and deepest condolences from the Anderson family in Hollandale, MS
Pat Bruce Lowe says
My Dearest Aunt Emma, You were the matriarch, the advocate, the glue, for the BRUCE family and you fulfilled that responsibility with love and dedication. We will miss you. May you rest knowing that your impact is ever present in your husband, son, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family. May you rest knowing how deeply you are loved. And, may the words of our Lord and Savior for you be, “Well done my good and faithful servant!!!” —How can we say thanks for all you have done? How can we honor God for the gift of YOU to us? — Heartbroken, yet thankful to have had the opportunity to journey through life with you. Until we meet again, your niece, Pat Bruce Lowe
Wilbur "Sangie" Smith says
Emma G. Smith-Rucker lived an extraordinary life of love and dedication. By God’s grace and favor, Bernard (deceased) and I had the unique privilege of calling her “mother” (Mo). Though she has departed this world, Mo will live on through time in the hearts and minds of those who loved her dearly.
Sharon Jefferson and Family says
Rev. Rucker and Family May God give you comfort during this time. Aunt Emma was a
Beautiful, kind- hearted, and loving spirit she will truly be missed
Mary Govan says
You will be missed very much Rest in peace
Ellistine & Edith Jones says
With Deepest Sympathy. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Marie Rucker says
My Deepest condolences. Sending my love and prayers to you and family from Lexington Kentucky. May God give you His peace. Love you My Brother.
The (Pettiegrew) Payne Family in Acworth, GA. says
Sending our condolences, cousin!❤️
Sandra Mason says
Rev. Rucker and Family,
Emma was very sweet, loving and kind. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all.
Faye,Lisa,Vanessa says
To the Rev ( we call him Preacher Man) Sylvester Rucker family. The Henderson Family in Denver, CO give our condolences, Emma was a beautiful woman we loved her so much and you was a wonderful husband to her. We will miss her.
Mary & John Bedford says
RIP Emma. You will be truly missed. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Rev. Rucker, and the Bruce family. May you find peace, joy and comfort in this time of sadness. Your loving cousin Mary (John) Bedford. Twinsburg, OH
Kalvin Hicks says
Kalvin {GD} and Charles Hicks
My dear sweet cousin, you were a beautiful sweet spirit. I love you dearly!! You reminded me so much of mom, the way you talked and the way you smiled. I know we didn’t talk as much as we use to, but it was always a great time of sharing when we did. I will miss you dearly!! Rest In Heavenly Peace until we meet again my dear cousin. Ms. Kalvin {GD}
Anonymous says
We will like to send our condolences to you and the family. May God continue to give you strength at this time. John & Penny Ashley
Beverly J Woods, New Orleans, Louisiana says
I offer my condolences to my brother, Sylvester, and the entire family of Emma. It was indeed my pleasure to know such a kind and loving person. She always had a positive word whenever I spoke with her. She will definitely be missed. May God keep you during this difficult time. God bless you.
Angela and Craig Walker of Memphis TN says
We send our deepest sympathy to you in your time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you. We will miss Aunt Emma, she was a sweetheart.
God be with you.
Anonymous says
RIP, Emma, so sorry to hear of your passing, I know you are in a great place. Our sincere condolences.., Barb & Acsie Sanders
Mattie B Barry says
Our relationship as first cousins was very special! Missing our telephone conversations!
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Loving Regards,
Mattie B Barry
Pauline B Goree says
Pauline Bruce Goree
To the Bruce /Rucker family
Emma Grace was my dear sister.
“She is gone but not forgotten”
I ‘m grateful for the time we spent growing up together. We attended the Flint Hill
M B Church in Etta MS. Being baptized in the Church’s pool, and being involved in all
the Church’s activities; especially “Children Day”, where we had songs and speeches,
Our mom made sure we were dressed very pretty.
So family be of good courage and “He shall strengthen your heart”
Sheila Bruce Renfroe says
Rest In Peace, Aunt Emma. I will miss you, dear.
Al Campbell says
Reverend Rucker, I was deeply saddened by the news that Sister Rucker had passed. I considered you guys true friends. May God confort, bless and keep you.
Mitchell Olson says
I’m just so sad, I don’t know what to say. I’m really missing her. I wish that I could be there with her right now in heaven. I would rather be right along her side talking and distributing knowledge of what is happening in my school and daily life. Unluckily enough, I was too late. Rest in Peace. Love, your great-grandson Mitchell
Denise Suttle says
My heart is so broken 💞 but yet thankful that you where my bonus mother when I lost my mother your bestie Glorious Malone. You loved me and I loved you unconditionally. We never missed a beat talking on a regular basis. I have lost my mother and you mama Emma . There can be no other to take the place of the mothers I have lost .Now I have two Angel’s looking down over me. Mama you always said ” give me my flowers while I’m living “, well I hope I set the example of the daughter you never had. Until we meet again mama Emma RIP.
Derek L Malone says
Never forgotten !
Henry and Velma Pettiegrew says
We were shocked to hear of the passing of your wife. May God be with you in your time of loss. He will give you the strength you need.
In sympathy and love from Oakwood Village, OH
Yvonne McCaskill says
Rev. Rucker and Deacon Bruce family. My sincerest condolences for the loss of your wife and sister. We will keep you in prayer and close to our heart.
Yvonne McCaskill & Family
Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church
The HillFamily says
Rev Rucker and family you have our Sincere sympathy we will be praying for you and your family love you much Austin and Maezel Hill family.
Geneva Bruce Murphy says
Geneva and family
Only by death is true life to be found. This is not good-bye, my dear sister, see you later. Peace be with you. You will be in my heart for ever. I love you M.
Roslyn Harvey says
Aunt Pauline, And the entire family The memories of the love you shared With your sister And aunt will forever be etched in your heart!! You and the family are in my prayers!
Your niece , Ros
The Tucker and The Funches Family, Milwaukee and Illinois says
To the Rucker and Bruce Family,
May God comfort you and strengthen during during this very difficult time.
Emma was beautiful, graceful, classy, soft-spoken, kind, and very hospitable. A jewel she was!
As the days go by, may you find joy in your memories of Emma!
Anonymous says
Rest in peace cousin Emma from your cousin Connie Marzette-Buford in Oxford MS
JaVida Bruce-Jones says
Thank you for love, your kind heart, your beautiful smile, your radiance that shone brighter than the sun. Thank you for calling me beautiful , filling my young heart with love and joy each and everytime we saw each other. Thank you for your grace, your calming spirit, your hearty laughter. I will miss everything about you, but thank you for being so special. I pray that God will keep Uncle Slyvester, our family, friends and community during this difficult time. You will be missed but I know you are in a better place. As the psalmist says, Till we meet again. I love you Aunt Emma.
Demetrius Boyd and Family says
I remember all of talks as if they were yesteday. The times we spent and the teachings from your kind words. Our last visit you always had your heart ,selfless sacrifice for others whether family or friend. Thank you Tee Tee Emma Love Always your Nephew Dee
Eugene & JaCinta Bruce Brown says
My Sweet Aunt Emma; affectionately called “Cat-eye’n” by my Dad. We love you and will miss you dearly. You were so much & more to the Bruce Family. Our hearts are heavy; however, we rejoice that you are with the Lord. We pray God’s strength & peace will be with Wilbur & Sylvester now and always. Until we meet again, Rest Well Aunt Emma!
Rachel “Ray” Olson says
For me, Emma G. Smith-Rucker was someone who loved me unconditionally from the first time she met me – introduced as the fiance of her grandson. There was never an awkward moment with our dear Gramma Emma for she was herself – always loving to me.
Emma was an inclusive loving soul. I witnessed her inviting some of her friends to our large family reunions – as family members. We could never have too many family members! She never made me feel strange for the color of my skin. I very quickly and easily came to love her whole extended family who opened their arms to me similarly. Emma was an example, a leader to so many in her family, a devoted sister and mother that took care of so much. She opened her home to us so many times and I was lucky enough one year to bring many of my own dishes to her Thanksgiving table. There were other Thanksgivings, but one in particular, I finally gave back and served her for a change……something I wish I’d done more often.
I will remember our church services together and our talks around the dinner table and her holding my two babies, smiling all the while. I will miss her so much. There are things I will look forward to asking her in the next life someday…things I realized I should have talked to her about before the end came. But no matter the sorrow felt, I feel so happy and blessed to have been able to have such a wonderful woman in my life for a wonderful 25 years. I’ve had people come and go in my life, but not Emma — always a constant in my life…,my grandmother. Her kind words ring in my ear, “Ray’s my girl.” I will forever be blessed to have had a nickname bestowed upon me by the great servant and great human being that Emma G. Smith-Rucker was. May she know that I appreciated her love and kindness. I will forever be indebted to her for providing my husband and I a gateway into an amazing extended family of eternal love. Thank you Emma – your great grandchildren miss you and love you, and so do Jason and I. Love eternal. May you rest in the arms of God’s love which you so deserve.
Addison, Davis, McLaurin Families says
Rev. Rucker, praying for you in the loss of your wife, if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know! We pray the memories will comfort you. Sister Rucker was a beautiful woman of Christ! The Addison, Davis, McLaurin Families
Coolidge and Ruth Ball says
May God grant you comfort.
Barbara Fells says
My prayers are with
John and Johnnie Tucker says
Condolences to the entire family.
Alma Bond says
Condolences to the family. We surround you with prayer. One so special may be gone from our hearts. May the support of others. and Emma’s loving memories help to comfort you.
Metropolitan : General Mission/ Gladys East says
We ask God to give comfort to the family during this difficult time. Sis. Rucker truly will be missed. We remember a life well-lived.
Lynda Goree Hersey says
Lynda Goree Hersey says
My sweet, sweet Aunt Emma, Our hearts are saddened, but your memory will forever be in our hearts. We love you and will miss you! Rest In Peace!
Veronica Bruce says
Greetings Bruce family/Rucker family, “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God.” -2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Family, may your hearts be at peace knowing that Emma is in the hands of God and I pray that one day I see her again. She is loved and missed and I will feel myself missing every time I want to talk to her and I will surely grieve. Love to all the Bruce Family/ Rucker Family
Bertha Lacking says
Rest in peace.
Bertha Lacking says
Rest in peace Sis. Rucker.
Josie & John Rucker. Marks, Mississippi says
Josie and John Rucker sends our thoughts and prayers. When you are in Good hands, you are in good hands.
J says
Josie and John Rucker sends our thoughts and prayers. When you are in Good hands, you are in good hands.
Josie & John Rucker. Marks, Mississippi says
Josie and John Rucker sends our thoughts and prayers.
September Menzia says
Grandma Emma was always so kind and gentle to my siblings and I, the warmest hugs. She embraced us as her grandchildren even if not by blood. She shown a beautiful soul with warmth and love.
I’m grateful for her inclusive embrace with love.
Edward Archie says
MAY
May
GOD BLESS
EMMAS FAMILY WE ARE PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY AND FOR Emma as she reaches her Heavenly home hope to see you again when God calls us home. With all our love rest in peace until we meet again God Bless,
With love,
The Archie Family,
Edward, Ada, Betty, Dionne and Symone ,
\
Anonymous says
As a child growing up, we all called her Aunt Emma, even through she was my mother Bessie Andrews, first cousin. We have many memories Aunt Emma. She was a lady of dignity and always classy. We will miss you. Our prayers to the family.
Mr. John (Phynell) Branch
Julia Andrews and Joann Andrews.
Jeanine M. Nash says
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to my dearest cousin’s family. I was saddened to hear about Emma had passed away. Each Christmas after my mother had passed away, Emma continued to send me a beautiful Christmas Card. I am going to miss her. She knows how to lift your spirits with her beautiful smile!!! God Bless the Family, Love, Jeanine