Emma T. Abanathy

Emma “Nap” Thelma Abanathy, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home on May 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 21, 1934, in Chester, South Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of the late Marian Poole and Dan Walker.

A proud graduate of Chester Senior High School, Emma was a woman of deep dedication and compassion. She touched countless lives as the owner and operator of Thelma’s Tots, a cherished daycare where she nurtured and cared for children with love and patience for many years.

Emma was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and she brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures which included, sewing with care, casting a line while fishing, filling her home with the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals, traveling to new places, and enjoying a good game of Bingo.

Emma was predeceased by her parents; husband, Edgar W. Abanathy; brothers, J.B. Walker, Dan Walker and Rev. Ellison Walker.

Emma’s legacy will continue to live on through her children, Debra T. Abanathy, Ronald L. Abanathy, Tanya D. Abanathy, Edgar W. Abanathy III, Aljean L. Abanathy,  Rapunzel C. Abanathy, Juan A. Abanathy, Kenyatta Gillman (Sean); grandchildren, Anton R. Thomas, Clarice T. Payne (Jonathan), Dilana C. Abanathy, Ronald L. Mitchell, Wendell L. Langston, Veronica Lassiter, Stephen D. Tyler Abanathy, Teara Abanathy, Andre Crawford, Alexis Mochel, Aja Mone’, Perry T. Shedd, Shataqua J. Moore, Charlee Antonia, Kortney L. Lane (Terrance), Kraig K. Merritt, Keeden M. Brown, Phoenix L. Long; great grand children, other children she raised and a host of other relatives and friends.