Emma Carrithers

Mrs. Emma Henri Carrithers, also affectionally known as “Mrs. C”, was born on June 14th, 1935, to the loving and late Mr. Charlie Wisen Baker, Sr., and Mrs. Gertrude Thelma Bynum Baker in Albany, GA. She peacefully departed this life on July 28, 2025, surrounded by her son, Gene, and close family.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Albany, GA, until her passing. As an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, she served on various auxiliaries. For her service, she was awarded recognition for Engaged Participation.

She received her early education in the Dougherty County Public School System. She earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Albany State College (University) and her Master of Education Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Georgia. She was named Albany State University Class of 1958 Honoree. She began and ended her teaching career in the Dougherty County School System, having taught at Madison, Tift, Lincoln, Magnolia, Jackson Heights, Martin Luther King Jr, Sylvandale, and Morningside Elementary Schools.  She was named Teacher of the Year at Morningside Elementary School. She retired in 1990 after teaching for thirty years, earning the distinction of Georgia Association of Education Award for 30 Years of Service.

“To know her...is to love her,” is what her Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, would say about Emma Carrithers. She was initiated into the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Albany State College (University) in 1955 and affiliated with the Delta Eta Omega Chapter immediately after graduating from college. She enjoyed serving on multiple committees, including Sisterly Relations, Senior Citizens Committee in the Dennis Holmes Projects, ACTeens, clothing drives, feeding the homeless, and much more. She was awarded “Soror of The Year” for the Delta Eta Omega Chapter in 1998 and the Herbert P. Gainer Sisterly Relations Regional Award. She earned the “Golden Girl Award” for 50 years of service to the sorority in 2005. She was best known for talking on the phone to inspire others and sending cards for all occasions to let them know they were loved. At the time of her earthly transition, Mrs. Carrithers had rendered “Service to All Mankind” for more than 70 years in the sorority.

She was also a dedicated member of multiple clubs, including Utilis Matronae Club, Retired Teachers’ Association, Southeastern Association for Colored Women and Youth Clubs, Inc., Girl Scouts of America, and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk. She was awarded “Woman of the Year” for her service and dedication to the Utilis Matronae Club and the debutantes that she mentored throughout the years. She was also awarded the “Courageous Award” from the Albany, GA chapter of the Light The Night Walk.

She met the love of her life, Gene, in Gainesville, GA. They were married in wedded bliss in August 1959. He was her protector throughout his life, and they remained together for 64 years until his peaceful transition in February 2024. Upon this union, three children were born: a set of twins, who transitioned shortly after birth, and a son, Gene Carrithers II. Her husband, Gene Carrithers, sister, Bettye Robinson, brother, Charlie (DeLesta) Baker, sister-in-law Patricia Borders, and best friend, Jakie Willis, preceded her in death.

In her passing, she leaves her loving family members to remember her legacy: one son, Gene Carrithers II of Albany, GA; two granddaughters, Dr. Bria Carrithers (Ammanuel Taye) of West Haven, Connecticut, Brandi (Kaelin) Jenkins of Columbus, GA; two grandsons, Jay Ponder of Phenix, AR, Courtney Jackson of Atlanta, GA; former daughter-in-law, Carol (Michael) Fowler of Albany, GA; one brother-in-law, Charles (Patricia) Borders of Gainesville, GA; three nieces, Heather Borders of Gainesville, GA, Rhonda Baker of Albany, GA, Santayana (Conrad) West of Stone Mountain, GA; six nephews, Lorenzo (Veronica) Robinson of Stone Mountain, GA, Antonio Robinson of Albany, GA, Keith (Marcella) Mimbs of Albany, GA, Donny (Audrey) Mimbs of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Charlie (Gloria) Baker of Albany, GA, Charles “Chuck” (Jennifer) Borders of Gainesville, GA; one great-grandson, Kai Jenkins of Columbus, GA; the members of Delta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; her caretaker, Ms. Carol; and many loving cousins, extended family members, and friends.

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