Emma Jean (Fields) Walton

Emma Jean Walton, 88, of Peru, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Peru. Emma was born Emma Jean Fields to Robert Fields and Zettie Pearl Jernigan (Smith) on February 26, 1932 in Nettleton, MS She moved from Mississippi to Peru, Indiana in 1953 with Ananias Walton Jr. She worked at Dukes Memorial Hospital in the dietary department for a short time. Leaving there, she went to work for John R. and Jane M. Nixon, where she worked for 40 years as a housekeeper and nanny until her retirement.

Emma was a loyal servant of the Lord, and proud, dedicated and faithful member of the Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, for many years.  She loved her church family very much and loved singing in the choir. Affectionately known as “Shady Pines”, she was a great cook and was famous for her carmel cakes.

Emma is survived by her daughter, Anne P. Burney and a son, James (Trudy) Walton, both of Peru, IN.  Seven grandchildren, Tony Burney, Indianapolis, Tracey (Johnny) Bankhead, Michigan, Kendra (Terry) Burden, Texas, Ronald Palmer, Kentucky, Eric (Kimberly) Walton, Indianapolis, Michael Walton and Jamie (Jessie) Walton, both of Peru.  Twenty-one great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.  Many nieces and nephews.  Her special adopted children, all of John and Jane Nixon’s children, Lynn, Susan, Carol, and Chris, and Greg (deceased).  Emma was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband Ananias Walton Jr., and one sister, Eula Mae Fields.

Private services will be held on Thursday, April 30th 2020 with Pastor James Bolling and Pastor E.J. Lacy officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Peru.   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emma’s services will be live-streamed at 12:00 Noon at https://www.facebook.com/RiverviewFHPeru/  and will be available to view in its entirety at www.riverviewfhperu.com after services on Thursday. 

In keeping with CDC guidelines, close friends and family may view in groups of 10 people or less from 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. prior to services on Thursday. Appropriate PPE is advised (Face Masks and Gloves)  

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, 451 W. 2nd Street, Peru, IN. 46970.  Riverview Funeral Home in Peru has been entrusted with arrangements.

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