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After graduating from Erskine College, Emma Reid Echols distinguished herself as a teacher, first in Charlotte, NC, then in Rock Hill, SC. Her husband, the Rev. Dr. W. Roger Echols, was pastor of the Neely's Creek ARP Church for over 30 years, and Emma was deeply involved in church service as the children's choir director, and teacher of the women's Bible class. She remained an active member of Neely's Creek ARP Church all her life, even attending Easter service the week before her death.

In 1950, with the help of the Junior Welfare League, she opened the Orthopedic Community School in Rock Hill for people with physical and mental disabilities, where she taught for a number of years. She also helped establish "Camp Joy" for children with disabilities at Bonclarken near Flat Rock, NC, where she served as the storyteller even into her mid-90s. She continued as a popular substitute teacher in the Rock Hill Public Schools until over age 90.

Emma was also closely involvement with the Catawba Nation. As a result of her friendships with the Catawba and knowledge of their history, she was commissioned by the University of Florida and recorded the oral history of the Catawba Indians on over 60 audio tapes and accompanying pictures.