Emily Embry Vernon (1876-1944)
Born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Mrs. Vernon grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where her father, Bishop James C. Embry, served as Business Manager of the Christian Recorder, an A.M.E. publication. After graduating from Wilberforce University, she joined the faculty of Western University in 1899 as instructor of Mathematics and Latin and married Bishop Vernon in 1901. As the wife of Bishop Vernon, she fulfilled her church responsibilities by skillfully mobilizing the talents and fundraising efforts of A.M.E. women’s organizations. During her stay in South Africa, she helped expand educational and health services to the women and children of the area. In honor of her work in Africa, the Emily Vernon Institute, an A.M.E. missionary school, was established in Basutoland in 1924. When she returned to the States, Mrs. Vernon continued to participate in women’s religious and civic organizations. As a national leader, she became well known as a speaker and advocate of educational opportunities for youth.
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