Emma Jean (McKelvy) Selectman

Emma Jean McKelvy Selectman

"Phenomenal Woman"

Emma Jean McKelvy was the second daughter born to Curtis and Alpha McKelvy in Foreman, Arkansas in 1939.  Around age seven, Emma Jean moved from Arkansas to Detroit, Michigan with her mother where she attended elementary and junior high school.  When she was fourteen, she moved to Kansas City, Kansas with her father, Curtis. She credited her father and her aunt Rose McKelvy (Renzy McKelvy) for shaping the foundation for her strong character and values.

Emma was preceded in death by her, parents; and sister; Eva McKelvy.

Emma attended and graduated from Sumner High school in 1958. It would not be the end of her education.  It was at Sumner High where she met the love of her life, Arthur "Sonny" Selectman. The two would marry in 1960.  The union produced two strong willed boys, Jeffrey Bernard Selectman, Sr., born 1960 deceased 1990 and Delbert Curtis Selectman born 1962.  Emma Jean managed several titles in addition to helping her husband, Sonny build his business empire. The small community business would eventually grow to encompass the entire block of 12th street between Minnesota and State Avenue.  She remained a devoted loyal wife and mother for 56 years until the time of her death.

Emma was also faithful to her extended family and friends.  She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates from Summer. This is where she continued to value higher education.  She earned an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree as well as a master's degree in elementary education from Rockhurst College.  She was a wife, mother, student and worked full time for Western Electric/AT&T for 32 years before retiring.  Her work after retirement would take her to Kansas City, Kansas U.S. District 500 where she was a faithful substitute teacher until Ovarian Cancer made her too ill to work.

Those who knew Emma enjoyed her exquisite cooking and entertaining which she did for decades in her homes. She was a caring, nurturing and compassionate woman who lived life well.  Her indomitable spirit touched many lives of those who were honored to share her love. Emma Jean loved to fish, travel and was always eager to learn new things. She was a matriarch with strong opinions that she communicated with love. A Phenomenal woman indeed.

Emma leaves to mourn her husband, Sonny; son, Delbert Selectman (Lora); stepsons, Reginald (Tanya) and Rodney (Glenda) Selectman; four grandsons, Lorenzo Selectman; Jeffrey Selectman, Jr.; Jeremy Selectman; and Armon Selectman; sister; Annie McKelvy; she also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and grand nieces and nephews.

All who love her. She will be missed.

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