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