Emma A. Shreeves

Emma Alberta Doane Shreeves, daughter of the late John and Gertrude Doane, was born in Westover, Maryland on August 19, 1929. Emma passed peacefully from this life on the morning of Tuesday, February 23, 2021 after a gradual decline in health. During the last days of her life, she was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers.

Emma joined John Wesley United Methodist Church in Cottage Grove at an early age. She was a Communion Steward, past president of the Usher Board, Membership Chair and member of the United Methodist Women, Culinary Ministry and Camp Meeting Committee. Emma best demonstrated her love and dedication for her church through her annual sponsoring of Homecoming. Family and friends, who traveled ‘back home’ each year on the second Sunday in October, looked forward to the dinners she helped prepare and the much-anticipated report of Captains. Homecoming was the church’s largest fundraiser in which Emma took great delight.

Emma received her education in the public schools of Somerset County. On August 26, 1950, she was united in holy matrimony to the late Stephen “Otha” Shreeves. Together, they had two goddaughters, Paula Holden and Lisa Collier Purnell. 

In her early years, Emma worked at Long Brothers Factory and as a cook in Melvin Ward’s Diner, a segregated restaurant in Westover, which later became English’s Grill. After more than 30 years of service, she retired from Somerset County Public Schools as the Cafeteria Manager at Greenwood Middle School.

Emma was never at a loss for words and freely spoke what was on her mind. She had a way of telling you about something, or yourself, that would only make you love her more. Truly, she will be missed.

In addition to her parents, six brothers, Raymond, Hewitt, Joseph, John, Milton and Morris Doane; five sisters, Marie Smith, Maggie Hitch, Virginia Doane, Lillian Bogan and Gladys Collier; a devoted nephew, Samuel Collier and a devoted niece, who was like a sister, Elizabeth Holden, preceded her in death.

Emma will be lovingly remembered by two goddaughters, Paula Holden of Pocomoke, MD and Lisa Collier Purnell (Doug) of Delmar, MD; a special niece and nephew, Joanne Doane-Kirkwood of Westover, MD and William Collier, Sr. (Elsie) of Salisbury, MD; two special great-nieces, Sharon Holden and Cheryl Holden-Duffy (Rory) both of Pocomoke; a devoted great-niece and caregiver, Dornese Whittington-Smith (Gregory) of Westover; a dedicated cousin and caregiver, Christine Smith of Westover; a loyal neighbor and caregiver, Celina Wharton (Roosevelt); a faithful friend, Kevin “Chum” Milburn also of Westover; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, Maryland with a viewing one hour prior.  A viewing will also be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Friday, March 5, 2021 at the Funeral Home.

All services will be streamed live on our Facebook page Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home.