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EMERSON ABLE Obituary
E. H. Ford Mortuary
901-345-9558
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Memories and Condolences
for EMERSON ABLE
Priscilla Wooley
September 15, 2018
Priscilla Wooley Johnson
To show appreciation for someone who taught me more than just music but rythm!
Viquita Ware
July 25, 2015
To the Emerson Able family: Mr. Able taught me band during the years of 1985-1987 at Westwood High School. His class was my favorite class. The impact of his knowledge and compassion for his band classes was a powerful weapon that no one will ever be able to replicate.
Esther, Rev./Chaplain Gant
July 17, 2015
Mr. Emerson Able: Able family I think God for you and for this awesome man of God. He helped teach by word excellence, example, The power and praxis of love, discipline and commitment with soul, mind, body and spirit! Mr. Able personified music - His God-given gift to the world! Mr. able meant what he said! And, to his family and loved ones: I pray God's comfort and peace to each of you. Rest in peace-My brother in Christ Jesus
July 15, 2015
Emerson was the epitome of what's good in music.I will remember him as being a leader in the insistence of having quality music in Memphis and having Memphis in the forefront of promoting the best.His standards were high.He got things done.He was my neighbor as a kid.He's still my neighbor.
Frank Strozier,Musician
Denise Daniels-Carter
July 9, 2015
He will truly be missed,He gave me a reason to be the best and work for it,practice,practice,and more practice.So when I left WESTWOOD marching band ,became a member of the TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND.and I still keep the values in my life of achievement and being the best at whatever I do in life,THANK-YOU JESUS for putting him in my life,MR.Emerson R. Able will be missed but remembered well.
Ronald Greene
July 8, 2015
A great man who lived a meaningful and accomplished life. A great educator who gave light, promise and aid to all of his students. An excellent friend who was always replete with wisdom, frankness, respect and compassion. A high note in my life...
Michael Jackson
July 8, 2015
Mr. Able u will be missed , u in a better place mow with the Lord class of 87
Gloria Rankin
July 7, 2015
He said what he meant and meant what he said. My prayers are for and with the family.
Amelia Miles
July 7, 2015
My condolences to the Family of Mr. Emerson R. Able, Jr. I was blessed to be a band member @ Manassas High under the direction of Mr. Able where I played first clarinet and also this was the first marching band I had the opportunity to play in. He will be greatly missed.
Howard Warren
July 7, 2015
I know this note of encouragement
is never enough to wipe your tears
and sorrows away in this time of grieving.
We just want to let you know
that our deepest sympathies
are with you and your Family
July 7, 2015
Roger L. Smith
Gwen miller
July 7, 2015
tan,Tony,little Emerson, my deepest sympathy to all of you.
Vivian Branch-Crawford
July 5, 2015
Condolences to the family for your loss. I was blessed to be a member of Manassas marching band 66-68 under the best band director ever.
Condolences to the family. I was blessed to be a member of Manassas band in 66-68 under the direction of the best of the best band director ever. May God comfort and keep your family. Rest in peace Mr. Able. Vivian Branch-Crawford Clarinet-player Class of 68.
VIVIAN BRANCH-CRAWFORD
July 5, 2015
To the best band director that ever lived rest in peace love you MR Able.
Delores Guye
July 4, 2015
I offer my deepest sympathy to Tan,Tony, and Emerson. I will cherish the memory of your dad. He was a perfectionist and expected it from all. He was a great teacher but most of all a man who did it "his way"
Rosa Wilks Broussard
July 3, 2015
My condolences to the Emerson Able family. I will always remember how he encouraged me to play the oboe when he taught me at Manassas High School. RIP
Ethel Tyler-Reeves
July 3, 2015
Condolences family so sorry for your loss. I'm proud to have been a member of the band especially under the direction of the best director ever. When I graduated I started calling him he was so excited he could tell me about everybody he is truly going to be missed. May God bless you family. Ethel Tyler-Reeves Clarinet-playerclass of 68
Ethel Tyler-Reeves
July 3, 2015
Condolences to the family. I'm so proud to have been a band member under the greatness of such a caring leader. We talked often he kept me informed about everyone,may god bless you family.Ethel Tyler-Reeves(Class of 68)
Michael Young
July 3, 2015
To the family, I'm sorry for your loss. He's now in a better place. May God Bless and keep you! Cuz
Glenda F. Pryor-Johnson
July 3, 2015
To The Able Family in the
Homegoing of Professor Emerson R. Able, Jr.
My sincere thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the entire family during this time of sorrow and may all of your cherished memories of your father bring you moments of comfort. Please keep in mind the outstanding legacy that your father is leaving with each of you that will be honored and treasured for many years to come.
As a member of the Marching 120 Band - Manassas High School and subsequently a proud graduate, I was so blessed to have been in the school band with Mr. Able as director. He certainly had a very unique style of teaching music to the band members and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
May God bless the family of Mr. Emerson R. Able, Jr.
Herbert Hall
July 3, 2015
I would also like to send my condolences to the Able family. With Mr. Able's help and encouragement, I was a member of The Marching 120(Clarinet), the Concert Band(Oboe), and the Jazz Band(Alto Sax) until 1964. Of course, Mr. Able was a great influence and made a great difference in my high school life. My current appreciation of music had its origins with Mr. Able and the Manassas High School Band.(Class of 1965)!
Carolyn Dees (Claxton)
July 3, 2015
My prayer and condolence to the family. I was a Manassas High student. May God continue to strengthen you during this time
Rosiland Moore
July 3, 2015
Dear LaTanya and Whitman,
My condolences to the family. You're in our prayers that God will comfort you and keep you.
Kevin McVay
July 2, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family my friend.
Kevin
ReTonya Howse
July 2, 2015
Tony, I am sending my condolences to you and your family.
Ethyl Howard-Banks
July 2, 2015
I'd like to send my condolences to the Able family. As a member of the Marching 120, and the concert band from 1965 until 1968,he made a great difference in my high school life. Thank you so much Mr. Able. RIP, you deserve it.
LaWanda Lewis
July 2, 2015
Mr. Able had the hand of God on His life because he sowed many seeds to inspire people to work hard to receive the fruits of their labor. We have all benefited from his fruits. Many thanks to the Able family for sharing their father, Servant of God, musician, and mentor who taught teach us how to walk, talk, and have some self dignity about ourselves. Mr. Able's examples taught me how to strive for excellence, strive to be the best as in the Mid-South and how to work as a team. Coming from the projects of Oates Manor (Scutterfield), seeing people from the projects leaving for college, and returning from college break looking like a new person/ evolved. That encouraged me to practice regularly and start envisioning leaving the projects and heading to college. Mr. Able blessed me as well as my other siblings who also benefited from a full ride music scholarship at the UAPB. Mr. Able, well done! May you rest in peace.
Josephine Banks
July 2, 2015
Praying for the Able family. Mr. Able was a great educator and truly be missed in the musical world.
Renaldo Pierce
July 2, 2015
To the Able family my prayers are with you through this time in your life. May God continue to keep you all lifted. Love Renaldo Pierce
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Brown Sr.
July 1, 2015
"ALLOW GOD TO GIVE YOU COMFORT AT THIS TIME."
Eugenia Thomas
July 1, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Karen Sanders
July 1, 2015
My condolences to the Able family. May God comfort your hearts at this time. Mr. Emerson Russell Able Jr - the best band director in the whole world.
Shani
July 1, 2015
I'm saddened to hear of his passing. Mr. Able was a very sweet customer. He was so funny. I enjoyed his stories. Rest on Mr.Able!
Fred Jones
July 1, 2015
He was simply the best.
Shevita Hendrix
July 1, 2015
Praying for the family of Mr. Able.. As a band member of Manassas High.. He was always there for us when ever we needed him. He had our backs. Very Great Man.. Who loved his students and cared about them.. R.I.H. MR. EMERSON ABLE
MUCH LOVE c\o 81
Anthony Bell
July 1, 2015
Mr. Able, Thanks for All the Truth and Though Love that you took time out to share with me. You were definitely a Father Figure to me. Thanks for All of the times you guided me in the right direction. I Will Always Remember You... Love Never Dies...
Tammy Finley-Copes
July 1, 2015
My prayers and blessings go out to the Able family. I am a former student of his, from Westwood High School. I am sorry that you all are having to experience this loss at such a time as this. He was a good man and had an impact on everyone that he met. Mr. Able will be greatly missed.
Avery Thompson
July 1, 2015
I was blessed to be inspired, influenced, and taught by Mr. Able. He came to Westwood and created a powerhouse in the 80's that carried on till the school enrollment dropped in the 2000's and its still being talked about today. I was in his first group of beginning band students (He taught me from 7th -12th grades) and as a saxophonist I owe all to him as I'm still playing today 35 years later.
Much Love and Respect Mr. Able take your well deserved rest.
My condolences to the Able Family.
Freddie Dodson
July 1, 2015
Mr. Able was a beacon for many souls through the decades. He not only educated his charges in the arts and music, but life as well. He instilled character, knowledge and most of all....HOPE. His faith in the abilities of his students allowed not only the individuals to excel but communities as well. There was a sense of pride and discipline unprecedented in the North Memphis communities, through Mr. Emerson R. Ables' tireless efforts. His faith in my musical and leadership abilities have been a life long Blessing....you will be missed Maestro. (Your rest is well deserved)
Freddie L. Dodson ( Drum Major/ class of 1969)
Sandy WILLIAMS
July 1, 2015
My prayers are with you the Able family may peace be with you in this time of sorrow.He will truly be missed by the Westwood High School Family love you dearly Mr.Able Restin Heaven.Sandy Williams Class of 1988
Claudine Bobo Wallace
July 1, 2015
I was under your leadership as a member of the manassas marching band 66-68.We also did a country music video together at Four Way Grill. It was great reconnecting with you as an adult. You were, firm but fair and I learned a lot under you. May you rest in pease
D Shannon
July 1, 2015
Mr. Able was the best band teacher ever. He was a great arranger, musician, and teacher. He made sure we did not miss a note. He made sure everybody was prepared for every performance. You will be missed dearly and we will love you. My prayers are with the family. Class of 88!
Rita Richardson
July 1, 2015
My condolences to the Able family. Rest in Paradise.
Janice Frazier-Scott
July 1, 2015
Mr. Able was a outstanding musician/educator and I was so proud that when I attended Manassas very briefly I had begun to learn how to play the clarinet under his instruction. Unfortunately, when I transferred to another school, band was not an option that was available to me. I also had the good fortune to know him as a church member at Collins Chapel in my childhood.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family has they observe this period of bereavement. I especially pray for my line sister, Latonya, who has lost her father. I know that she cherished him.
May God give you the strength that you need during this very difficult time.
Marilyn Moore
July 1, 2015
I was so proud to be a part of his band when I attended Manassas High School. He was a mentor to all his students. I know he will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing Mr. Emerson Able Jr.
Lillie Johnson
July 1, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Able family in their loss. My prayers are with you all. Whit, Tan and family, stay strong and be blessed!
Melvin Tate
July 1, 2015
Rest in peace Mr Able
Harrison Williams
July 1, 2015
One of my favorite teachers of all time! Nothing but love for Mr. Able.
T. Williams
July 1, 2015
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Able. However, I've heard many stories from my dad who played in the Manassas Band and went on to play at TSU. Mr. Able was truly a great influence on my dad. What a great legacy he leaves behind!
Marvin WInfrey
July 1, 2015
May God continue to shine his light on the ABle family. mr. Able's dedication and comittment to inspire and motivate not only his bamd students, but all the students at Manassas and in the communities is beyond reproach.
Otto Moore
July 1, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
James Q Bacchus
July 1, 2015
Awesome educator and musician. Very proud and real man. He was always an encouragement for me, and I will always reflect on the conversations we had when we worked on a summer job for MCS for several summers. His favorite line "Boy, let me tell you." To me that was his way of saying he cared about you and he wanted you to listen. Rest in Peace Mr. Able. My prayer are for the family. Thanks for sharing him with many.
Valerie Lightfoot Wellington
July 1, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Narvia Mayhorn Smith
July 1, 2015
Mr. Emerson Able Jr., best Band Director in the Memphis Schools;rest in peace. I was in Manassas Marching Band over 50 years ago and chaperoned with Westwood High School Marching Band in the 80's under your musical guidance. You will be missed,but God was ready for You to join him in Heaven.
Glinda Harris
July 1, 2015
Rest in Heaven Mr. Able... you are a great man and your legacy will live on.
July 1, 2015
God's Word is always a comfort and the Voice of His Spirit is always an encouragement in the times that are needed most. May God continue to strengthen and keep you all as you go through your bereavement. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal."
Sheila Miller-Boyd & Precious
Anna Waters
July 1, 2015
I will miss your smile most of all. My high school days were great because I was a part of the Mighty Manassas High School Marching Band.. Rest On Mr Able.Gold And Blue
KEVA FORD
July 1, 2015
Mr. Able .. you were definitely a legend in my time at Westwood High the class of 1982 I remember all the great discipline that u instilled in me each year that I marched in the Mardi Gra Parade in New Orleans under your leadership and mentorship. RIP.. Keva R Ford Westwood Class of 82...
Larry Davis
June 30, 2015
Mr. Able, my music director, golf buddy, friend and mentor. You will always have a song in my heart. Thanks for the memories.
RUTH BENNETT
June 30, 2015
I have always admired Mr. Able as an outstanding musician and a dynamic instructor for both me at Manassas and my daughter and son at Westwood. After years, his persona never changed. RIP, Mr. Able, Memphis has truly lost a legend whose shoes will be impossible to fill. THE BEST BAND DIRECTOR HAS LEFT THE BUILDING. Many prayers for the family.
Sandra Harris Cobin
June 30, 2015
Thank you Mr Able you were generous inspiring, motivating and kind, to all students interested in the band even though we didn't make it, the world have lost a great soul.
Andrea Neely (daughter of Lonnie Neely)
June 30, 2015
I'd met you on many occassions. My father was a friend and musical brother. You played with the band for my Uncle Bert's funeral. Thank you for your gift of music to all those lives you've inspired, taught, and encouraged. Peace and prayers to the Able family.
Rochester Neely
June 30, 2015
Thank God for a man who cared and showed that concern every day. He Will be missed as well as remembered with love.
CLASS OF 1965. Marching 120!
June 30, 2015
Whit and Gwen, may the thought of others caring and the sympathy they feel be a source of consolation. Zion CMEC Women's Empowerment Group, Memphis, Tennessee
Janice Lyles Spence
June 30, 2015
Rest in peace Mr.Able. You were the best there was. My sympathy to the family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
June 30, 2015
RIP, My Grocery store partner, Cash Savers will miss us, remembering Manassas High School day,
Otis Reeves
June 30, 2015
To a great mentor and well respected musician and man. Rest in peace
Penny Scullark
June 30, 2015
Mr. Able...if we all would reach back and pull someone up the way he did...Westwood High was never the same after you arrived. I say that respectfully...
JANICE Moore
June 30, 2015
Mr Able was always my favorite teacher. The band was the highlight of my life because he was the best. I remember my days in the band over 45 years ago more than anything even today. He inspired me. I wish his family God's strength and comfort.
S Smith
June 30, 2015
My deepest sympathy in the loss of such a well loved man. May God bless you and give you all strength to endure this time of deep sorrow.
Roy Burrow
June 30, 2015
Mr. Able was quite a man. He could hear a tune one time and then write the entire score for the whole band. I always marveled at his abilities.
RIP Mr. Able
Nadolyn Stewart
June 30, 2015
Mr.Able you will truly be missed praying for the family for strength in the time of need.Your father was so funny Collins Chapel will miss him
marcel holman
June 30, 2015
Emerson thanks for the inspiration. you were the first saxophone player to here me play.
Lorna Darcel Jones-Webster
June 30, 2015
Mr. Able, I'll never forget you. Being a member of The Manassas High School Band '69 thru '72 was the best time of my life. My two older brothers from The Marching 120' Spike Jones and Goliver Jones and my mother and your classmate JimEtta Jones.
Karen Sweet
June 30, 2015
Tan, Tony & Emerson
I am sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that I will be praying for strength, peace, and comfort.
Veronica Taylor
June 30, 2015
May God speak peace and comfort to your spirits. My deepest and sincere condolences. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Hamilton Class of 74
Alvin Greene
June 30, 2015
The best Band Director that Memphis, Tn. has ever had. Thanks Mr. Able for all of your hard work and dedication. You will be missed.
June 30, 2015
Rest in Peace, dear friend. May God continue to bless and give joy to this great family. Terance Carnes
Emerson Able is on the 2nd row, 6th from the left.
June 30, 2015
Emerson was a living legend! I learned so much from him about the history of the Memphis City School System. He was a great teacher, arranger and musician. The world is a better place because of him. I am so thankful to have known him. God Bless the Able family. thanks, Alvin Swiney
June 30, 2015
We love you Mr. Able. You were like a father to us all. You were the Best. The Manassas High School Marching Band.
Cynthia Calhoun
June 30, 2015
Tan, Tony, and Emerson, thank you so much for sharing your dad with so many students/musicians for so many years. I know it was a family sacrifice with rehearsals, concerts, and out of town travel. I pray that you will continue to be a strong family and move the music legacy forward for future generations to appreciate. I am also sure that our Uncle Richard is happy to reunite with his long-time friend. Comfort and love to you...
Andrea Buford Dr Avrahm Cohen Office
June 30, 2015
I will miss seeing you in the office. You always had us laughing. RIP Mr Able and may God continue to comfort and give strength to all that loved you.
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