Embra C. McDade

Mrs. Embra Dee Crandell McDade was born on Saturday, February 9, 1929, in Delhi, Louisiana. She was the youngest of nine children born to George Crandell and Ella May Crandell.

Her education began at Richland Parish Training School, which nurtured a love for learning that blossomed into a calling to educate and develop others. Upon graduation, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Grambling State University in 1950, and her master’s degree in education in 1972 from Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana Monroe). She received over 30 graduate hours from Northeast as well.

On Sunday, July 27, 1952, Embra married Doyal McDade, and they shared a loving union that lasted almost 72 years. To this marriage was born their only child, the late Doyal Andre McDade.

Embra was baptized at an early age at St. John Baptist Church in Delhi, Louisiana. She later transitioned to Cloud Creek Baptist Church, where she was an active member, serving as chair of the mother’s board. A pillar of the community and a respected elder of the church, members always listened when she spoke and came running when she called.

Embra absolutely adored children and devoted her entire life to ensuring their proper development. She served as an elementary school teacher for many, many years before retiring and opening the Toombs Street Daycare, where she made certain countless children were well-prepared to begin grade school.

Besides her devotion to God and educating children, Embra had many hobbies. What’s most worth mentioning is that she never met a plant she didn’t like! Those who knew her well knew that she had the greenest thumb of anyone they knew. Whether it was houseplants, trees, fruits, vegetables (including celery – who grows their own celery?!), flowering bulbs, or rose bushes, they all flourished under her attentive care. Evidence of the fruits of her labor could be seen throughout her gardens, flower beds, and home.

She was an avid quilter and embroiderer, who spent many painstaking hours lovingly crafting by hand quilts and embroidered mementos to share with loved ones.

Quite a few dogs were lucky enough to also be the recipients of her nurturing and caring spirit. She always had one (sometimes multiple) in her household, much to the chagrin of her husband and to the delight of her son and grandchildren.

Although 95 years old, she was still very active. She enjoyed cooking, caring for her plants and relished the company of her many visitors, especially her great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild. She also had no qualms with personally “taking care” of any snake that may have wandered onto her property.

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, after a brief illness, Embra left her earthly home to reunite with her husband, Doyal McDade, who passed away exactly five weeks earlier in the same place in the same room. Her parents, siblings, and son also preceded her in death.

She leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memory: four grandchildren, Andrea McDade, Dameian McDade, Andrica McDade, and Andrańe McDade; four great-grandchildren, Jordan McDade, Jayden McDade, Kennedy McDade, and Mariah McDade; one great-great-grandchild, Skai McDade; and a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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