Janie Emola

Anna Grace (Janie) Norman Emola passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 22, 1940, in Liberty, Texas to Anna Lucitto Norman and John Calvin Norman. She was one of seven children.

Janie lived a full and meaningful life rooted in love, faith, and family. She graduated from Caldwell High School and went on to attend Austin Beauty School, to become a beautician. She later went to work as a telephone operator for many years with AT&T and Sears, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

She was married to Paul Emola, and together they built a beautiful life for 42 years, raising three children: Debra Ann Emola, Paul Anthony Emola, and Derek Allen Emola. In 1968, they went into business together, opening the Lakeview Club and later building the Texas Hall of Fame. They retired from the club business in 1998.

A devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Janie was deeply involved in her faith community, volunteering for church functions and finding joy in attending services regularly. Her faith was a guiding force in her life. Janie loved caring for her home, being a member of the Red Hat Ladies, cooking, and traveling, especially to Italy. She treasured time spent with her family and friends, always creating warm and lasting memories.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debbie Emola; her siblings, Betty Goates, Pat Blaha, Linda Allen, John Norman, Jimmy Norman, and Charles Norman; her parents, John and Anna Norman; and her ex-husband, Paul Emola.

She is survived by her two sons, Paul Anthony (Donna) Emola and Derek (Karen) Emola; her grandchildren, Matthew (Kathryn) Ramsey, Taylor (Colten) Bruce, Jessica Emola, Parker Emola, Trace Emola, and Emily Emola; and her great-grandchildren, Dominic Ramsey, Canten Bruce, Jace Emola-Arevalo, and Cambree Bruce. They were all special to their Maw Maw.

Janie will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family. They all looked forward to coming to Maw Maw’s house on Sunday for spaghetti and meatballs. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and resilience that will live on in all who knew her.

A public viewing will be held at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 S. College Ave., Bryan, TX 77801, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 PM, followed by a rosary at 6:30 PM. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Memorial Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 314 S. Parker St., Bryan, TX 77803.