Emma Gertrude Tuley

Emma Gertrude Tuley died on September 22, 2014. She was born on May 29, 1921, and reared in Teague, Texas, Emma graduated from Teague High School with her lifelong friend, Mary Morse, now of Austin. During World War II, Emma moved to Washington, D.C. and worked in the War Department for the OSS. Returning to Teague after the war, she began her career with the Rock Island Railroad, working in Teague and later in Dallas. She and her boss were the last two employees of The Union Terminal in Dallas. Shortly, she found a satisfying position with the Army Air Force Exchange Service continuing to live in Dallas and earned a bachelor's degree at Southern Methodist University, and also achieved a master's degree in Liberal Arts from SMU. She was transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii, and actually lived there two times. She always talked about "living in paradise" and she enjoyed friends, many activities, including golf and traveling in Hawaii and many places in the world. One adventure was to take the Orient Express from London to China.

After retiring in the mid 1980's, Emma came to Austin and enjoyed her life here. She was an active member of St. David's Episcopal Church, belonged to a photography club, joined a group of ladies in an investment club which did quite well, and took painting lessons. Active in her neighborhood home owners association, Emma held various positions to help her friends and neighbors enjoy where they lived.

Through all these achievements, Emma loved her family and supported and encouraged her parents, brothers and sister, and her nephews and niece in all their endeavors. Just a few weeks ago, she was visiting a great niece and asking questions to show interest in a great-great nephew and niece. Wherever she was, there were smiles for everyone, chuckles, and a great optimistic and positive outlook on life. We will all miss her and treasure the time we spent with her.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents Raleigh Robert Tuley, Sr. and Ella Gertrude Long Tuley; her siblings Raleigh Robert and wife Marguerite, Walter, David and wife Nellie, and Betty Tuley Gilliam. Survivors include her son-in-law Joe Gilliam; nephews Robert Raleigh and wife Anne, John David and wife Carolyn, David Tuley, Richard Tuley, Michael Gilliam and wife Barbara, Larry Gilliam and wife Diana; niece Nelda Tuley Spraggins and husband Craig; great nieces and nephews, Tiffany Grassmuck, Rebecca Oberlander, John David Tuley, Jr., Derek Tuley, Sean Polk, Chelsea Gilliam, Ross Gilliam, and Austin Gilliam; and fourteen great-great nephews and nieces.

The family members want to thank Emma's caretaker and friend, Wanda Butler, for all her love and kindness for Emma.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27th at St. David's Episcopal Church, 301 E. 8th St, Austin, TX 78701.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her church.