Emory I. Johnson Mockabee

Emory I. Johnson Mockabee, 99, of Cairo, GA, formerly of Boston, MA, peacefully passed away on August 23, 2017, at the Veterans Medical Center Hospice in Brockton, Massachusetts surrounded by those she loved.  At the time of her passing she was the oldest surviving World War II African American Female Veteran in the United States.

She was born in Cairo, Georgia on June 22, 1918, was educated in the Cairo Public Schools System and graduated from Savannah and Albany State Colleges.

In 1943, during World War II, she enlisted in the United States Women’s Army Corps (WAC), where she earned the rank of Private First Class.  She served her time in Staten Island, New York, transporting POW’s to and from their work sites.  She also served as General Douglas McArthur’s private chauffeur.   While stationed on Staten Island she was introduced to the late Walter C. Mockabee, Sr. (whom she later married), who at the time was serving in the United States Coast Guard.   She was a resident of Massachusetts for sixty eight years until she returned to her home in Cairo, GA in 2011.

Emory was totally devoted to family and friends, who looked to her for advice and guidance which she gave freely until her death.  She is survived by her children Walter C. Mockabee, Jr. (Rena B.) of Lafayette, LA, Chiquita Jacob of Brockton, MA and Ongelita Miles (Luther R. Miles Jr.) of Randolph, MA, Anthony C. Mockabee (deceased) and a sister M. Jeanette Johnson of Cairo, GA.  She had sixteen grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends, whom she loved like her own.

Family and friends are invited attend the visitation Tuesday August 29 from 3:00-7:00pm at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS.  A service will be held in the funeral home with a private funeral and burial in Cairo, GA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emory’s memory to the VA Medical Center Hospice, Building 4, 490 Belmont St, Brockton, MA 02301.