1-1                                     1
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 481
 1-3                                  In Memory
 1-4                                     of
 1-5                                 Joe Emerson
 1-6           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
 1-7     of Houston and Austin in mourning the loss of Joe Emerson, who died
 1-8     March 15, 1999, at the age of 66; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, Born January 24, 1933, in Paris, Texas, Joe Emerson
1-10     graduated with degrees in theology and classical language and earned
1-11     a master's degree in business administration from the University of
1-12     Chicago; he married Maria Rocha on March 31, 1969, and the couple
1-13     was blessed with four children; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Joe began his career as a teacher at Quincy College
1-15     in Illinois and worked with the poor and underprivileged on
1-16     Chicago's South Side; he later served as superintendent of
1-17     Richmond State School, as director of Houston's Center for the
1-18     Retarded, Incorporated, and as deputy director of Harris County
1-19     Mental Health and Mental Retardation Association; and
1-20           WHEREAS, An exemplary and distinguished gentleman, Joe Emerson
1-21     was respected for his many accomplishments and for his leadership in
1-22     his community; and
1-23           WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity, he
1-24     gave unselfishly of his time to others and was a source of strength
 2-1     to many, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be
 2-2     forgotten by those who knew him; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, A devout Christian, Mr. Emerson was a member of
 2-4     Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where he served as a
 2-5     Eucharistic minister and a Befriender; and
 2-6           WHEREAS, Joe Emerson was a devoted husband, father, and
 2-7     grandfather who lived his life to the fullest, and he leaves
 2-8     behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and
 2-9     many friends; now, therefore, be it
2-10           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-11     76th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the
2-12     bereaved family of Joe Emerson:  his wife, Maria Rocha Emerson;
2-13     his daughters, Joanna Burgess, Laura Roxanne Mazariegos, and
2-14     Suzanne Akin; his son, Joseph Michael Emerson; his brothers,
2-15     Charles Emerson and Kenneth Emerson; his sisters, Theresa Emerson,
2-16     Mary Elizabeth "Tootsie" Emerson, and Joanne Usrey; and his two
2-17     granddaughters, Camille and Gabrielle Akin; and, be it further
2-18           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
2-19     members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from
2-20     the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do
2-21     so in memory of Joe Emerson.
2-22                                                              Barrientos
2-23                                  ______________________________________
2-24                                         President of the Senate
2-25                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-26                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-27                                  on March 25, 1999, by a rising vote.
2-28                                  ______________________________________
2-29                                         Secretary of the Senate
2-30                                  ______________________________________
 3-1                                           Member, Texas Senate