Emira Eagle Lymon was the legally declared widow of Frankie Lymon, a famous rock and roll singer from the 1950s. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 74, but the cause of her death was not specified. Emira had a brief but happy marriage with Frankie, who died of a heroin overdose in 1968. Emira’s life and love story were depicted in the 1998 movie “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”.
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Emira and Frankie: A Year-Long Honeymoon
Emira Eagle met Frankie Lymon in 1967, when he was stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He was a private in the Army, taking basic infantry training. Emira was a schoolteacher and a graduate of Lucy C. Laney High School. They met by chance, when Frankie dropped by her home on Ramsey Street with a friend who was dating Emira’s sister. Emira was taking a bath and came out of the bathroom with just a towel on. Frankie was standing by the door, pretending he was looking for the kitchen. Emira was furious.
But Frankie was persistent. He proposed to Emira several times, until she finally accepted. They got the ring from Friedman’s Jewelry store and Frankie went up and down Broad Street, screaming about how he loved her. They got married on June 30, 1967, at Beulah Grove Baptist Church, near Paine College.
Emira and Frankie lived on Ramsey Street, in the family home. They had a happy and loving relationship, despite Frankie’s troubled past and fame. Frankie was the lead vocalist of the world-wide popular rock group Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers. He had several hit singles, such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”, “Goody Goody”, “Little Bitty Pretty One” and “I’m Not a Juvenile Delinquent”. He also performed for Queen Elizabeth II at the London Palladium and in nightclubs and theaters around the world.
But Frankie also struggled with drug addiction and legal issues. He had been married twice before, to Zola Taylor and Elizabeth Waters, but both marriages were annulled. He also owed money to his record label and the IRS. He was trying to make a comeback in the music industry, with the help of his manager, Morris Levy.
Emira and Frankie: A Sudden Loss
In February of 1968, Frankie went to New York City to record some new songs and to appear on a television show. He stayed with his grandmother, who lived in Harlem. On February 27, 1968, Frankie was found dead in his grandmother’s bathroom. He was 25 years old. The cause of death was reported to be a heroin overdose.
Emira was devastated by the news. She had spoken to Frankie the night before and he had told her he loved her and he would be back soon. She had no idea he was using drugs again. She said that their life together was like a year-long honeymoon.
Emira had to fight for her rights as Frankie’s widow. She was challenged by Zola Taylor and Elizabeth Waters, who also claimed to be his legal wives and heirs to his recording royalties. The case went to court and lasted for years. In 1989, the New York Supreme Court ruled that Emira was Frankie’s only legal wife and entitled to his estate.
Emira’s Life After Frankie
Emira never remarried until 2001, when she became Emira Bryant. She had no children, but she was active in several local organizations, such as the Willie Mae Howard Missionary Ministry for Beulah Grove Baptist Church, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Richmond County School System Retired Teachers Association and Augusta Area Cultural Society, Inc.
She also saw her life and love story portrayed on the big screen, in the movie “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”. The movie starred Halle Berry, Lela Rochon and Vivica A. Fox as the three women who claimed to be Frankie’s wives. Rochon played Emira, who was the main character and narrator of the film. Emira said she was mostly satisfied with the movie, but it also contained some inaccuracies.
Emira died on April 14, 2019, at AU Medical Center. The cause of her death was not specified. She was 74 years old. Her funeral arrangements were announced by W.H. Mays Mortuary.
Emira Eagle Lymon was a woman who loved and lost a rock star. She was a faithful and loyal wife, who endured a lot of pain and hardship. She was also a respected and involved member of her community. She will be remembered as the true widow of Frankie Lymon, the teenage rock sensation who asked, “Why do fools fall in love?”.
