Barbara Elison

Barbara Carol Neeley Elison passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Orem, Utah. She was born December 11, 1933, in Ogden, Utah to Parley Rhead Neeley and Josephine Mitchell Neeley. She was the second child of four, including three loving brothers. She spent her early years moving from state to state with her family because her father worked for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on many water development projects. She and her family lived in Glendive, Montana; Williston, North Dakota; and Price, Utah, before settling in Spanish Fork, Utah. Barbara graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1952. During her time in high school, she was recognized by school faculty "for attaining a mark of no less than an A minus." She was selected to represent Spanish Fork High School because of her scholarship and leadership abilities at the annual Utah Girls' State. She was awarded the Aglaian club trophy as the outstanding high school music student. After graduating from high school, Barbara went on to further her education at Brigham Young University graduating in 1956 with a degree in English and a minor in music.
Barbara was a teacher and had a life-long love for music. She spent much of her time practicing, playing, and teaching piano. She had sharpened her piano skills through countless hours of practice and determination and began teaching lessons in her early teens in her parents' home. Barbara taught and mentored thousands of piano students for more than 70 years – even up until her health wouldn't allow it. She is widely known for her talents as a pianist, accompanist, and teacher. Barbara accompanied for many people and organizations including the Utah Valley Opera Association, choirs for Brigham Young University, and many musical productions directed by her husband, Jerry Elison.
Barbara has been recognized by many groups and organizations because of her musical talents and willingness to serve. She was honored with the SCERA's Star Award as a salute to the remarkable breadth of talent in the performing arts in Utah Valley. Her tribute reads "Barbara Elison: A music teacher several decades in Utah and the wife of inaugural Star Award winner Jerry Elison, [Barbara] Elison co-founded the Utah Valley Junior Music Festival, which features the work of hundreds of student performers every year." She received, along with her husband, Orem City's Kindness Ambassador Award in 2017. Barbara received many other awards, acclamations, and honors.
Barbara was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on November 15, 1957, to Gerald (Jerry) H. Elison. Barbara was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and faithfully served in many church callings, including Primary Music Leader, in Young Women's, and pianist for the Orem 31st Ward Choir. She is survived by her seven children: Lori (Doug) Edwards, Kerry (Reed) Murray, Brent (Laurie Schoch), Chris (Michele), Eric (Jennifer), Kip (Diana), Kurt (Kathi), 31 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and her brother, David Neeley. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, her parents, and two brothers, Pat and Doug.
The family expresses appreciation for the staff at Covington Senior Living in Orem and Cassie with First Choice Home Health for the excellent love and care provided.
A viewing will be held Friday, June 30th, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (646 E 800 N Orem). A viewing will also be held Saturday, July 1st, 9:30-10:30 AM, followed by a funeral at 11:00 AM at the Sharon Stake Center (545 S 800 E Orem). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the SCERA-Jerry Elison scholarship fund. For more information, call the SCERA at 801-225-ARTS. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.walkersanderson.com and also to watch the webcast for Barbara