Johnny Ray Emerson

Johnny Ray “John” Emerson, 66, of Morganton, went to be with the Lord, Monday, February 14, 2011, while at the Burke Hospice & Palliative Care Center, Valdese. Born January 19, 1945, in Hartford County, MD, he was a son of the late Sidney Emerson and Lucille Sexton Emerson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Emerson was also preceded in death by a sister, Lynn Byrd. Mr. Emerson was a member of the Community Baptist Church, Morganton. He was a US Vietnam Veteran, having served in the US Army.

Mr. Emerson is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Emerson, of the home; A son, Michael Ray Emerson & wife, Natasha of Marion, NC; A daughter, Angela Pickett & husband, Mark of Marion, VA; A brother, Roger Emerson, of Austinville, VA; Two sisters, Joan Maumaw, of Bluefield, WV and Kathy Matthews, of Blacksburg, VA; Also surviving him are five grandchildren, Joey, Taylor & Matthew Emerson and Morgan & Zachary Pickett and several nieces & nephews.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of John’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 17, 2011, at the Community Baptist Church with the Reverends Billy Bollinger and Brian Smith officiating. Military honors will be provided by the US Army.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made in Mr. Emerson’s memory to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to the Community Christian Fund c/o Community Baptist Church, P.O. Box 835, Morganton, NC 28655.

Valdese Family Funeral Care has the honor of serving the Emerson family.