Mr. Marvin C. Emerson

Marvin ”Buddy” Cornelius Emerson made the transition from his earthly tabernacle to his heavenly home on Tuesday December 16, 2025 at 10:55 AM at CHI-St Joseph Hospital. Marvin made his grand entry into this world on August 17th, 1938, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was the only child born to the union of the late Garnett Emerson and the late Madge Domminck Putman Emerson in Lexington. Buddy was given lots of love and care as he was raised by his late paternal grandparents, Dudley & Drusillia Emerson. His early public school years of education began as a student attending the now closed Carver School. He loved to tell the story of how he would have to walk from Prall town everyday and back on the railroad tracks down to Patterson street. Buddy was prone to mischief as a youngster and often found himself involved in things he should not have been doing. After attending junior high, he went to the old Paul Laurence Dunbar High School where he was a proud member of the Class of 1957. Buddy was active as he leaned into his talents and played the trumpet in the band and was also class treasurer. To this day he held the class roster! Upon graduating from high school he made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the Navy. Believe it or not, Buddy was the only man of color in his group. As an aside, at the time of his enlistment, Buddy had to also get his grandmother’s approval and signature in order for him to serve. Just as he did everything he did with a source of pride and excellence, he served his country faithfully. He was an original crew member of the USS KITTY HAWK CV-63 He was so proud to serve his country in this way and to be aboard such a mighty vessel was indeed something to feel proud of. He would often wear his Navy veteran hat whenever he went out because he would often state, “you never know, you might get some discounts! “ He was honorably discharged from the Navy in September 1961 and returned home to Lexington where he remained until his passing. He was an employee of IBM from 1964-2003 when the company changed leadership and went through a name change to Lexmark Corp. Because Buddy liked to stay busy, post reitirement he worked in various capacities, for Fayette County School District, Armoured Car Co., and Hart's Laundry to name a few. He also LOVED serving others by serving at the Lucille Markey Cancer Center, until his health declined & prohibited him from doing so. Marvin served faithfully in the workplace, the community, and last, but definitely not least, his church, Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. He was baptized in 1945, under the late W.A.Jones. Buddy was an ordained Deacon, trustee. and church treasurer which he took great pride in for over 40 plus years! He served with the 40 year group (designated for those who have served in the church for a minimum of forty years.) Marvin loved his church! He would often speak of days gone. He had a great memory and he NEVER met a stranger! Everyone knew Buddy and he most likely knew them or one of their kinfolks! Buddy had a HUGE heart, full of love, kindness, wisdom, guidance, compassion; for both friend and stranger alike. As his light has dimmed, his legacy of love, kindness, excellence, wisdom, servant leadership, love of history, especially Black Lexington History, will continue to shine brightly and be carried on and through those who will forever cherish the person known as Marvin, Buddy, Babe, Pops, Buddy Pops, Grandad, Uncle Buddy & Friend. He will be missed & cherished by His Queen, Wife, Ride or Die, Comforter, Unofficial Nurse and Love of his life, Carolyn Emerson, His children, Pamela White (GA); Rick (Jessica) Emerson (Cincinnati, OH); Jeanecia Meaux-Branch (Lexington, KY) & LaKristie Meaux (Greenville, SC). His grandchildren: Dayton Cornist Emerson, Dyllon Cornist, Deacon Cornist, Karla Jimelle Branch & Kaleb Jeremiah Branch. He is survived by his Emerson Siblings, his many nieces and nephews, cousins extended family, friends, Masonic Brothers (King Solomon #8) and others whose lives he has touched along this road called “ Life.” He was predeceased by his dear sister, Gwendolyn Edwina Emerson Brown, niece, Judy Emerson & his Bonus son, Thomas Meaux. “To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. “ 2Cor 5:8

Mr. Marvin C. Emerson

August 17, 1938 - December 16, 2025

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Mr. Marvin C. Emerson

August 17, 1938 - December 16, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information