Raymond Maurice Emerson

Raymond was born on July 7, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Cyrus and Ruth Jones Emerson. Ray was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a faithful home teacher and served as a stake financial clerk for seventeen years. He took pride in his reports being timely and accurate.

He graduated from East High School in 1949, and from the University of Utah in 1953 with a degree in finance and banking. While at the University, he met his beloved Norene. They were married in 1954. He joined the Army Reserve and played clarinet in the 96th Infantry Band for four years.

Ray and Norene were blessed with three children—Annette, Norman, and Kent. He considered his marriage and his children to be his greatest blessings.

Ray worked for the Federal Reserve Bank from 1953-1990 in the Cash and Accounting Departments.  As a self-taught pianist, he became a successful piano teacher for many years and was in demand, especially as a teacher of beginners. He was patient and encouraging to students of all levels.

Norene and Ray served as members of Temple Square Concert Committee for nine years and enjoyed hosting musical programs. They enjoyed organizing “First Night,” a New Year’s Eve event held in the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City, and “Concerts in the Park,” a summer event in Brigham Young Historical Park.

After the children were grown, Ray and Norene enjoyed travel to such places as Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Israel, and Egypt.

Ray and Norene moved to Houston, Texas in 2007 and lived next door to his daughter Annette and her family.

Ray often expressed, “We have had wonderful blessings with our family and church membership.” He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George and his sister 
Dorothy. He is survived by Norene, Annette Chan (Hong-Ta), Norman (Luz Dary), Kent (Tiffanie), ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Ray passed away at home in Houston on May 5, 2021. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 17th, at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. Guestbook to post messages for the family is available online at: HolbrookMortuary.com