Emma Lee Pete , 86, departed this life on Thursday, March 23, 2017, in Houston, TX. She was born on March 4, 1931, to the late Elijah Sowell and Elizabeth Cox Sowell in Natchitoches, LA.

She leaves to cherish her memories, five sons, Willie White, Jr., James L. White, (Lucy), Samuel "Sam" White (Debra), John "Dale" Ladd (Gale), and Charlie Carter, (Katina); three daughters, Florence Espree, Bertha Davis and Marie Thomas (Charles); three sisters, Laura Louis, (Will), Etta Matthews and Elouise Watterly; 25 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Elizabeth Sowell; one son, Joseph Lewis; four sisters, Ruth Lucille Sowell-Withers, Linnie Sowell-King, Mary Lee Sowell-Lastrapes and Alberta Sowell-Nwodu and one brother, J. W. Sowell.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., and funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at King's Funeral Home with Minister James L. White, officiating. Burial will be in Louisiana Veterans Cemeteries in Leesville, LA, under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com