Emma was born in the Texas community of St. George, South Carolina on July 6, 1935. She attended schools within the St. George school system and continued studies in the field of Nursing in New York. She was married to Russell Boyd in 1948; they were together when she departed.

While in New York, she was a housewife for a number of years and also Emma worked with Patterson Homes, in Uniondale, New York and retired after 20 years of employment. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

Emma was preceded in death by her son, Russell Boyd Jr.; her parents, Toussaint and Catherine Toomer; her grandson, Derrick Boyd; a great-grandson, Kameron Hauser; her brother, Gene Toomer, and sister Joyce Toomer.

Emma is survived by five children, Ronald Boyd, Wayne Boyd and his wife, Michelle, Marla Boyd-Hauser, Myron Boyd, Terence Boyd and his wife, Jeanine; her grandchildren Maya, Dawn, Kristina, Christian, Corey, Nygel, our twins, Jordan and Chase, Justin, Jordan, Destiny, Natalia, Jari, Noah, Suri and Skylar; great-grandchildren, Brittney, Kai, Konnor, Asad, Jose Jr., Asiyah and Priya; great-great-grandson Javion; sister, Shirley Toomer-Cole, Charles and Sarah Toomer, Betty Toomer, Brenda Toomer, Allen Toomer; a host of relatives and friends.