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Christine B. Emerson was born in the small town of Brickeys, Arkansas to Garland & Kathleen Gillenwater on September 14, 1930 and went to her Heavenly home on June 5, 2020, at the age of 89. Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey L. Emerson, of 45 years, her parents and all five siblings. She leaves behind her daughter Phyllis Neckar and husband Tom; son Lee & wife Christine; son Edward and Radonna; and grandchildren Sarah & Artie Gamez, Trey, Taylor and Bryce Emerson; great grandchildren William & Tony Gamez and Henry Emerson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Born in Brickeys, Arkansas in 1930, the oldest of six children. She was born and raised as a genteel, mannered and full of grace Southern Belle. Her parents, Garland & Kathleen Gillenwater were cotton/alfa farmers. She learned to drive the family car as soon as her feet could touch the gas and brake pedals. When it was harvest time on the farm, it fell upon Chris, being the oldest to drive the family car with the lights on into the fields so that the workers could continue harvesting late into the night. She was also responsible for driving herself and five siblings to school. Twice in her younger years her family’s home caught on fire and they lost many of her the earthly treasures of childhood and family mementos. The losses from the fires, taught her to let go of things and to value people and special moments in life. She started her life in a time when everything was rationed due to World War II, but everyone looked out for others and shared with others in need. Her sisters said they went through hard times, but Chris never complained and always helped her sisters and brothers get through it. Her siblings greatly looked up to her. She was their mentor and confidante. Her sister, Mary reflected that Christine, always showed love, kindness, generosity and graciousness to all whom she met. Christine was a star basketball player in Forest City High School where she graduated and won the Arkansas State Championship in 1947. She continued her love for basketball by being an avid Spurs fan. Come the fall season she was always rooting for her beloved Arkansas Razorbacks or dad’s Texas Tech Red Raiders. She attended Forest City Junior College. Not long after, she married the love of her life, Aubrey L. Emerson of Anson, Texas; a WWII Captain (retired) in the Army Air Corp. They were married 1950 in Little Rock Arkansas. They started their family in 1955 with their only daughter. Around 1958 they moved to San Antonio for Aubrey to take an engineering job at H.B. Zachry Company, where he worked for 35 years. Their family grew in 1958 & 1963 with two sons. Motherhood came easy and natural for Chris, as she had helped raise her five brothers and sisters. Her approach to motherhood with her three children was to always lead by example with a love, a quiet presence, Godly strength and wisdom. She loved her family and the celebrations of life and made each wonderful moment that are now treasured memories for the family. Christine had a rare gift of grace in good times or bad, which showed God’s gift of strength and certainty of knowing who she was in Christ. She had great style and showed up most days looking like it was the best day of her life. Christine always had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and banter with those she loved the most. Christine spent 46 years as a real estate agent. She started her career at John Flournoy Realty, later joined Benchmark Realtors as a partner owner, and then Guy Chipman Company and finished her career at Phyllis Browning Company. She crisscrossed San Antonio with thousands of miles and hundreds of clients doing what she loved — connecting with people and helping them find their dream home. She turned many a client into friends and many friends into clients. She was recognized for many accomplishments in real estate over her long career. She worked into her 80’s because she loved people and mentored the younger agents who adored her and her wisdom. She said you must get up, show up and keep your mind sharp and body active. Christine was a proud American and faithful Christian she espoused the principals of forgiveness and second chances. She was all about small acts of love and kindness every day. Her giving spirit was a great role model to all who knew her. She was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church. A private family burial service was held on June 11th at Mission Park Cemetery Dominion. If you would like to honor Christine with a memorial gift, please consider Samaritan’s Purse or the San Antonio Food Bank.

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Christine Blanche Emerson

September 14, 1930 - June 5, 2020