Arlene Jane Emory of Abilene went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 9, 2009. She died at home surrounded by family after an eleven year battle with cancer. Arlene was born March 24, 1936 in Willmar, MN to Theodore and Esther Johnson.  She moved to Abilene in 1955 and married Joseph F. Emory, her husband of fifty-three years. Through all, her faith in God remained strong as did her love of family and friends who continued to love and nurture her. She has been a member of First United Methodist Church for over thirty years.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Audrey Standard Pearce.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Joseph; four daughters, Deanne (Darin) Gilligan of Burleson, Linda (Clint) Spraggins of Plano, Karen (Nolan) Greak of Lubbock, and Sherrie (Neal) Ray of Abilene;  one son Daniel (Camille) Emory of Richardson;  twelve grandchildren, Lindsey, Rebekah, Kendra, Allison, Alex, Lauren, Amelia, Rachel, Kate, Garret, Alanna, and Nicole; other survivors include her sister, Ardis Peterson of California; brothers, Charles Johnson and Clayton Johnson of Minnesota, and Clifford Johnson of New Mexico. She will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be from 6:00 till 8:00 PM on Monday, October 12, 2009 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Her funeral will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, 202 Butternut in Abilene.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, 209 South Danville, Bldg Ste. 107, Abilene, TX 79605, or Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79604.