Emma Julia (Schoening) Williams was born near Mineola, Iowa, to Otto and Helen (Denker) Schoening on September 10, 1912. She passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa at the age of 99 years.

Emma was raised on the farm where she was born. Being the descendant of German immigrants, she spoke no English until she began her education at Sand Hollow School in rural Mills County, Iowa. After she completed her eighth grade year, it was decided that since Emma was the oldest daughter, she would remain at home to help with the little ones.

On June 25, 1941, Emma married Virgil Williams. The ceremony took place at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mineola, where Emma had also been baptized and confirmed. The couple settled in Shenandoah, and they became parents of a daughter, Nancy Sue.

Emma was very content with her role as a homemaker and mother. She took pride in the everyday things she did. A neighbor once told her, "You have the whitest wash I've ever seen!". Nieces and nephews looked forward to Aunt Emma's sour-cream chocolate cupcakes whenever there was a family gathering. She enjoyed working in the yard and mowing, and she did so until she turned 80.

In the winter, Emma would find time to embroider tea-towels to give as gifts to family and friends. For awhile she enjoyed doing ceramics and was especially proud of a nativity set that she created. Her radio would often be turned to a station playing polka music as she went about her daily routine.

Emma was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. For many years she was active in the Trinity Women's League. She enjoyed the fellowship of the church ladies as she helped prepare and serve many church dinners.

Preceding Emma in death were her husband Virgil; her parents; brothers Fred, Robert, John, Glen and infant Harlan; sisters Catherine Colwell and infant Edna. Survivors include her daughter Nancy Williams of Shenandoah, IA; sister Pauline Plautz of Shenandoah, IA; sister-in-law Leona Schoening of Glenwood, IA; brother-in-law Russell Williams of Shenandoah, IA; other relatives and dear friends.