Uncrowned Community Builders

Emma Elizabeth Bennett Roy was affectionately known as "Ma Dear" and "Aunt Liz". She was born in Pineville, Louisiana to Rev. Dr. Richard B. Bennett, Sr. and Winnie Lewis Bennett. She was the middle child of three children, which included two brothers; one older, Clyde Ray Bennett and one younger, Richard Jr.

Emma received her early education from Pineville Grammar School and graduated from Peabody High School. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in English with a minor in Speech and Drama. While at Southern University she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and was an active member for many years in the Zeta Lambda Omega Chapter in Alexandria. She later continued he education and obtained a Master's Degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana in Administration and Supervision.
She was an educator in Pineville, Louisiana at Crepe Myrtle High School and later Pineville High School, where she retired after 26 years of dedicated service.

Emma was baptized at the age of six at New Saint Mark Baptist Church by her grandfather, Rev. Lorenzo Lewis. She became a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in 1954 under the leadership of her father, the late Rev. Dr. R.B. Bennett. Over the years, she served in many capacities in the church including: vice president of Junior Mission, member of the Young Matrons, member of the BTU, soloist (who loved to sing, "Fill My Cup Lord") and directress of the Youth and Young Adult Choir, later Inspirational Choir, member of the Mass Choir Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School worker and teacher of the Tutorial Program. She also participated in the district and state associations and continued to serve faithfully at Antioch until her health failed.

On June 10, 1961 she was united in marriage to the late Warren Roy, Sr. and to this union one son was born, Warren, Jr. She was later blessed to adopt two daughters, Kiajuana and Kinyata.

Emma loved children and decided after retirement from the school system to participate in the Department of Children of Children & Family Services Program with Rapides Parish. In this time span, from 1991 to 2008, she nurtured and cared for over 100 children. She also served as a MAPP and co-foster care trainer.

Burial took place at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Alexandria, Louisiana.