Lois Romaine Emery Nielson

She was born on September 6, 1922, the second of four sisters, to Elizabeth and Maurice Emery in Warren, Pennsylvania.

After meeting her husband, Bob, in college, they were married on August 22, 1944, having dated only each other. She went on to earn her master’s degree in English literature from Boston University.

Following short stints in Missouri and Kansas, the couple came to live in Dallas in 1953. It was there that she and Bob raised their two sons and served in long and fruitful church ministry.

Lois’ calling was as a piano teacher, and she taught for 71 of her 91 years. Dozens of her students went on to become teachers and performers themselves — her impact on her students was truly inspirational. She was fond of quoting Henry Adams, who said, “A teacher affects eternity; [she] can never tell where [her] influence stops.”

She is survived by her three sisters; two sons, Stephen (Carolyne) Nielson and Niel (Kathleen) Nielson; five grandchildren (Jon, Dan, David, Christiana and Caroline); and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the music ministry of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, which Lois deeply loved and generously supported.

Thanks be to God for His abundant grace.