Emily Meggett Cause of Death

Emily Meggett, known as the Matriarch of Edisto Island, died on Friday, April 21 2023,  at the age of 90. Emily Meggett died surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness, according to her family.

Emily Meggett grew up on Edisto Island, where she lived, worked, and raised her family. She is best known for her cooking skills and Gullah-Geechie dishes like collard greens and prawns and grits.

Emily Meggett was so beloved in the Edisto Island community that, according to The New York Times, “no one charges her for anything.” Most days, she cooked more food than she needed and left her side door open so that neighbours knew that she had a meal to spare.

Emily Meggett released Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island, a collection of recipes and stories she co-wrote with American food journalist Kayla Stewart, on April 26, 2022.

Rep. Jim Clyburn presented her with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on July 22. President Joe Biden wrote in an accompanying note, “we are living in a moment that calls for your hope and your light.” The city of Charleston’s mayor, John Tecklenburg, declared July 22 “Emily Meggett Day.”