Emily Giraud

Emily Clarice Lance was born on August 28, 1941, in the Bronx, New York, the beloved daughter of the late Clarence H. Lance and Marie A. Bell Lance.
At the age of 84, Emily answered God’s call and entered eternal rest on January 17, 2026. After along and courageous journey with dementia, she was gently carried home, her life bearing witnessto steadfast faith, quiet strength, and grace sustained by God’s abiding presence.
Emily received her formal education at Newtown High School in Queens, New York. She dedicated more than twenty years of faithful service to the Bank of New York, retiring in 2000 as an officer.
Her work reflected diligence, integrity, and a commitment to excellence that marked every season of her life.
A woman of generous spirit, Emily found joy in knitting with care, giving to charities close to her heart, and serving faithfully at her church. She delighted in shopping on QVC—earning theaffectionate name “The Gadget Queen”—and later embraced a new chapter as an Avon representative, encouraged and supported by her daughter, Renè.
Emily’s greatest joy was found in family. She cherished holidays filled with laughter and love, and she especially delighted in recalling stories of her brothers—their humor, adventures, andunbreakable bond. Those memories brought light to her eyes and warmth to every room. Augustwas her favorite month, a season of shared birthdays with her brother Leslie, her beloved husband
Jack, and, joyfully, herself—the true “Dancing Queen.” Her laughter and radiant spirit remain a blessing that endures.
In addition to her parents, Emily was preceded in death by her devoted husband of forty-four years, Joaquin “Jack” Giraud. She was also reunited in glory with her sister and four brothers: SylviaLawrence, Mannie Lance, Leroy Lance, Clarence Lance, and Leslie Lance.
Emily leaves to cherish her memory her children: Karen R. Smith, Joaquin Giraud, Jr., and Tabitha
Hayles. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren—Tyson Breeden, Keonda Lee (DuJuan),
Adrael M. Smith, Melissa E. Knight (Dennis), Akira K. Hayles, Whisper L. Hayles, Kayla C. Giraud,and Emilee L. Giraud—and her great-grandchildren: Darian Lee, DuJuan Lee Jr., Kiara Lee, Kairyah
Lee, Damonta Lee, Tahtiana Z. Knight, Taylor M. Knight, and Liliana Bova, each a living testament to her love.
She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces Laura Calhoun, Barbara Lawrence, Kelly Lance, and Lesley Lance; her nephews Harrison Lance, Franklin “Stormy” Lawrence, Daniel Lawrence, Robert
Lawrence, and Mark Lawrence; her sister-in-law Judith Lance; and her cherished “sister,” Lois E.
Butler, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.
Special thanks are extended to Sharia Jones-Bey; Avon Lord and Denise Lord; her bonus sons Patrick Davis and Sean Bowles; her devoted caregiver Alexis Wingate; Mighty Caregivers; and
Capstone Hospice. Your compassion and care were instruments of God’s love, and your presence brought comfort beyond words.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Boston-Hill Funeral & Cremation Service.

Google Meet link:
meet.google.com/kfw-mzjt-dfk
Join by phone:
(US) +1 361-317-1034
PIN: 588 364 354
Date & Time:
Saturday, January 31, 2026
11:45 AM – 2:15 PM (Eastern Time)

Live Stream: https://youtube.com/live/WYCoYwEO1kU

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