Daily Press (Newport News, VA) - Sunday, June 21, 2009
Herbert Emerson passed from this life to his heavenly home on June 19, 2009. He was born on Dec. 12, 1928, to George and Rebecca Emerson in Gloucester County. He lived most of his life in York County, where he met and married the love of his life, Nora Jenkins Emerson. He was the seventh of 10 brothers, who shared one sister.
Awaiting his arrival in heaven were his parents; six of his brothers, Buck, Jack, Linwood, Chester, Charles, and Fred; his only sister, Elizabeth; along with several nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.
Many, many homes and businesses throughout the area will stand as a testament to Herbert's skills as a master brick mason and his integrity as a businessman. (The local newspaper once described him as 'as artisan' as it featured an article about some of his handiwork.) His God-given talents were also used to glorify His Lord in the building of many area church buildings and local Church Bodies.
But Herbert's greatest pride and joy has always been his family; his wife and children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. Remaining behind to celebrate his life and recall our wonderful memories are his wife, Nora; children, Blanche (David) Brooks, Ken (Patty) Emerson, Joel (Debbie) Emerson, and Mark (Ann) Emerson; grandchildren, Rebecca (Gary) Lowe, Andy (Lindsey) Brooks, Heather (Rob) Hollis, Noah Emerson, Nicole (Jason) Ammons, Elizabeth Emerson, Paul Emerson, Caroline Emerson, Virginia Emerson, and Robert Emerson; nine great-grandsons, Cody and Ben Lowe, James and David Brooks, Taylor, Robert, and Brian Hollis, Logan Emerson, and Jacob Ammons; and a special daughter-in-law, Flora Emerson. He is also survived by his three brothers, Nelson, Sherwood, and Robert Carol Emerson; his sister-in-law, Barbara Lynch; brothers-in-law, Sandy, Carvel, and Rodney Jenkins.
Our family is grateful for the many individuals who have shared in these months of illness, and helped ease Herbert's final days on earth. We wish to express our appreciation to family members and friends who have visited, sent cards, and called; to Dr. Kimberly Schlesinger and the staff of Peninsula Cancer Institute and to Dr. Ann Marie Campolattaro and the staff of Yorktown Family Practice; to the Bon Secours Hospice staff, especially Judy, Sharon, and Lavinya, whose weekly visits brightened his days; and to Home Helpers companion, Polly, whose faithful attendance to Herbert each evening provided much needed respite for the family while giving loving, caring, and skillful attention to his needs.
As we accept our loss of Herbert's presence with us, we also rejoice at the certain knowledge of his presence with His Lord Jesus Christ; and we are confident that we will see him again as we join him in heaven someday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Herbert's memory to one of the following organizations: The American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd, Ste. A102, Newport News, VA 23606; The Peninsula Rescue Missions, P. O. Box 377, Newport News, VA 23607; or Peninsula North Gideon Camp, P. O. Box 6373, Newport News, VA 23601.
Family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Amory Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Herbert's life will be conducted by Dr. Robert Carol Emerson and the Rev. Rodney Jenkins, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Grafton Baptist Church, 5440 George Washington Memorial Highway, Grafton, VA, burial to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Herbert Emerson Edition: Final
Page: A10
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