Funeral services for Marlene Jane Thomas Emerson, 78, of Brownwood, formerly of Midland, will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, May 7, in the Netherton Funeral Home Chapel with David Barnum officiating. Interment will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home and Cremations. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Monday, May 6, at the funeral home.

Marlene Jane Thomas Emerson went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 1, 2013, at a local hospital in Abilene Texas.

Marlene was born on March 8, 1935, in Brownfield Texas to the late Ora Jane (Perry) Thomas and Jesse B. Thomas. She married Carl Emerson on January 30, 1950; he preceded her in death in April of 2009. Marlene had lived in Midland for over 50 years before moving to Brownwood with her husband. She loved to travel and collected a “rock” from each place they traveled to.

Marlene had a passion and a knack for fishing, and she was known to out-fish anyone that was with her!  She also had a great love of family and enjoyed large get-togethers in her home. She will truly be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Linda Daugherty of Lake Brownwood and Betty Schwartz and husband Steve, of Blanket; one brother, Weldon Thomas of Lubbock; and two sisters-in-law, Kathryn Emerson and Marian Emerson, both of Bangs. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following: PBCer’s Organization, 1430 Garden Road, Pearland Texas 77581; Six Stones-A Catalyst of Hope, 2009 North Industrial Blvd, Bedford Texas 76021; Pecan Valley Detachment 1170, Marine Corp League, 6930 CR 569, Brownwood Texas 76801; or the American Cancer Society.

Friends and family members are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.nethertonfuneralhome.com