Mrs. Emma Gay Bruton

Mrs. Emma Gay Bruton was born July 6, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Emma Ruth Dixon and Frank Burse. She passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. She was a Class of 1957 graduate of the old Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. Her love for education manifested greatly as she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, later her Master degree in Nursing, and also a degree in Medical Technology. She became a member of several medical originations including The International Academy of Phlebotomy Science, the National Nurses Association and the Kentucky and African Americans Against Cancer. Because of her dedication to her work and unwavering love of people, she was bestowed the “Nurse of the Year Award.” Emma accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age and became a member of Consolidated Baptist Church. For the last fifty years she was very instrumental in Consolidated’s Music Ministry. She whole-heartedly enjoyed the praise and worship to our God! She expressed her love of God through music at other churches, including St. Andrews A.M.E. Church in Winchester, St. James C.M.E. Church in Winchester, and for the past 10 years she had been the Music Director for Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Emma’s love of Gospel Music kept her singing all over the state and country, being part of several workshops and choirs. At the age of twelve she began her singing career with the renowned Ruby King. She continued her performance career with the Ever Willing Singers, James Cleveland's "The Gospel Music Workshop of America," the Richard Smallwood Workshop Choir, Consolidated District Combined Choir, General Association of Baptists in Kentucky Combined Choir, The Black Church Coalition of the Bluegrass Choir, the W.T.L.A., Ensemble and the M.L.K. Celebration Choir. In the studio, she recorded with The University of Kentucky Black Voices and sang on their 1978 album “Victory...Shall Be Mine.” She also sang with The Lexington Summer Choir, The Lexington Community Interdenominational Mass Choir (L.C.I.M.C.) and was a Choir Member in the musical “Mahalia.” She also shared her talents as the title role of “Momma,” which was written and directed by Minister Jimmy Thomas. She was a faithful member of her Masonic Family; she was a Past Worthy Matron of Dorcas No. 29, Order of the Eastern Star, Past Matron of the Heroines of Jerricho, Bethany Guild No. 16, Past Commandress of Daughters of Isimd Court No. 64 and the Golden Circle No. 46. Through her strong Christian beliefs, Emma raised her children in the church. She taught them to love God and in all their ways acknowledge Him and He will direct their paths. She taught her children that they all have gifts, and to share those gifts with everyone they meet. For nine years, Emma was in a whirlwind love affair with the one, the only, Deacon Paul Wesley Bruton. Their relationship only rivaled the greatest of fairy tales and before our eyes, we watched them become as one. They were "INSEPARABLE," going to events in the same color outfits, dressing “sugar-sharp” all the time. They showed us the true meaning of love and what being together in a marriage is supposed to look like. It was during Paul’s funeral, while standing near his casket, Emma was overheard softly saying, “Baby, death will separate us for a little while, but I will see you in the morning.” In addition to her parents and her wonderful husband Paul, Emma was preceded in death by her loving sisters, Willetta Eubanks and Mary McFarland. Mrs. Emma Gay Bruton will be loving missed by her children, Ricardo Hines of Cincinatti, Ohio, Victoria Gay of Houston, Texas, and Renita Gay; three grandsons, Barry W. Bowman, Jr., Johnathon Hines and Walter Hines; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Christine Blackford; a brother, Eugene Dixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Mrs. Emma Gay Bruton

July 6, 1939 - January 31, 2020

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Mrs. Emma Gay Bruton

July 6, 1939 - January 31, 2020

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information