Emma Jean Pleasant-Hale, daughter of the late Drewery E. Pleasant and Mable B. Pleasant, was born on May 26, 1934 in Baltimore, Md. Of six children, she was the third child. On January 22, 2021, following a brief period of declining health, Emma transitioned, quietly and peacefully at Sinai Hospital, with her daughter at her side. Emma was baptized and received her Christian training at the First Baptist Church in East Baltimore, Maryland. Later, she served as a member and Deaconess of the First Christian Community Baptist Church under the Late Honorable Rev. Ernest Humphrey and current Pastor Rev Alphonso Tucker. She also frequented Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in her community. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School system, Emma was proud to later become a part of the Baltimore City Public Schools system as a Teacher. Hundreds of students in numerous schools here in Baltimore city benefitted from her firm and disciplined approach to learning. She is remembered by many for her passionate insistence that her students read and spell correctly, offering paper and pencils for them to write the word 'misspelled' numerous times. On July 15, 1955, Emma married the love of her life, the late Precious Hale Sr. Their love for one another was unimaginably intertwined, the agape kind of love often described in romance novels. But their bond was real, so intense that he refused to die in front of her because he didn't want her sad, ordering his daughter Vera to quickly take her home. From their amazing, blessed union, they received three sons Precious, Kenneth, and Chris and three daughters Vera Rosaline, and Lois Constance. They showered their children with unconditional love and all the comforts possible, dressing them impeccably and providing them all the sustenance necessary to ensure they understood the importance of a husband and wife connection and the value of the family bond. Nurturing their kids natural talents was important to both Precious and Emma, and what a strong and musically talented family they were. Throughout the Hale household, the soloes and blended vocals provided for many evenings of togetherness and joy as they harmonized on the gospels and rhythm and blues. An advocate for justice and the value of the vote, Emma worked tirelessly within the political realm. At election time, she could be found at P.S. School #60, encouraging all to use the power of the ballot as a platform for change. Many may recall her on the front lines of the campaigns for several of Baltimore's former leaders, including William Donald Schaefer, Margaret Campbell, Clarence Du Burns and many others who were elected and served Baltimore City. As a neighbor, she always ensured that she maintained her property and supported the community, serving as a role model and a valued voice for the Panway Neighborhood Improvement Association. Equally important, Emma had a penchant for socializing, dancing, and being in the company of trusted friends.

She loved attending concerts featuring her falsetto singing son Mann, who performed with such groups as "The Mighty First Class" and "The Softones." One of Baltimore's premiere fashionistas, Emma was always clad from hat to heels in the best, never cocky, simply confident. For approximately thirty years, she would don her stylish attire and join a close group of friends at a popular, intimate hotspot, the Tequila Sunset. There, she befriended the proprietors Libby and Walt, and the repeat score of beautiful Baltimoreans who dressed up for a night of fun, food, and dancing. So fashionable was Emma that, on one special night in 1992, when she arrived at the club decked out in her stilleto heels and gown, she was named "Cinderella," a moniker that forever followed her. She never missed an event, always dressed in high fashion with her hats and high heels, ready to disco down with her friends and admirers. Everyone loved Cinderella, and she loved everyone, especially her devoted friends Janice Jamison and Linda Batts and Flowers, whom safeguarded her as she enjoyed the beautiful Baltimore nightlife and her son in love Lawrence Bethea. As her age began to slow her pace, Cinderella became neither daunted nor discouraged. She maintained her faith and optimism in God's eternal and abundant love and mercy. Her life and her reputation were invaluable to her, and she clung close to God's word. Her legacy, that of goodwill and positivity, along with love for God, family, and friends, will remain forever etched in our countless memories of her. Emma was preceded in death by her beloved husband Precious; her son Kenneth; two brothers Drewery E. Pleasant, Jr. and Samuel J Pleasant; and two sisters Beatrice Butler and Mable Williams. What a splendid reunion we envision occurring as these blessed souls reconnect. A beautiful mother, sister and grandmother, great grandmother, Emma remains loved by all, especially her countless friends. Remaining to carry out her legacy of love and family are her children Vera Hale Robinson ; Rosaline Hale Blackmon (Larry); Precious Hale, Jr. (Lorraine); Lois Constance Hale; Chris Hale (Janet); and Camilla Parker; and her adored and last and only sister whom was a twin, Frances O. Moody. She has two brothers in law, Leslie Alston, whom recently celebrated 90 years young and Maurice Moody; nine grandsons Chauncey, Chadwick, Jay, Chris, Frederick, Pierre, Byron Sidney, and Sharmar; seven granddaughters Michelle, Crystal, Brandi, Latasha, Tanaia, Kelly, and Nikia; seven great granddaughters; two great grand sons; and nieces and nephews.