Erma E. Malone was born May 30, 1934 in Bixby, Oklahoma as Erma Mary Elizabeth Adkins. She entered into this world as the sixth and final child of Price Emmanuel Adkins and Connie Estella Ratliff. Her life's journey was marked by a deep love for travel and a profound commitment to helping others.

She ventured from her Oklahoma roots to Wichita, Kansas, with her sister Flora Etta Collins, where she joined Boeing Airlines. While in Kansas Erma met and married Alvesta Malone in 1955, but they later divorced. She then moved to Chicago and found her calling as a Licensed Practical Nurse, serving with dedication and compassion in Neurology at Michael Reese Hospital. She eventually transitioned to the University of Illinois Hospital, as an OB/GYN Nurse where she met many of her lifelong friends. After years of devoted service to many, Erma retired from U of I Hospital.

After retirement Erma took on a second career as a Mary Kay Consultant and told everyone she could about it. She used Mary Kay as a way to give back to the community, which was vitally important to her. She donated her time and products to various homeless shelters throughout Chicago. In addition, during the Christmas Holidays she began a Cookie Tradition of giving cookies to family, friends, and those who crossed her path. There was only one rule: You had to return your cookie tin if you wanted cookies the next year.

Her love for literature and her faith in God were constants throughout her life. Whether immersed in the pages of the Bible or engaged in lively discussions with her library book club, Erma's intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. Her commitment to physical well-being was evident in her regular visits to the community senior center, where she embraced exercise with vigor. If you have ever called with plans to take her out, she would say, "let me check my calendar."  and then let you know she had her exercise class, and the plans would have to wait until she was done.

From the picturesque Swiss Alps to the historic streets of Israel, Erma's passion for travel carried her far and wide. One of most memorable trips was to the Holy Land where she was Baptized in the Jordan River.

Erma gave her life to Christ at an early age and upon moving to Chicago joined her sister Gustava Johnson as a member of Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the founding pastor, Reverend James M. Stone. She served on the Nurses Board and sat under Bishop Derrick M. Fitzpatrick.

On May 29th, 2024, Erma E. Malone peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and compassion. Preceding her in death are parents: Price Adkins and Connie Ratliff.  Her sisters Una Mae Thompson and Gustava Johnson, and brother Hubert Adkins Sr., daughter Rhonda Kay Malone, son Larry Dean Malone and grandson Corey Dwayne Bledsoe, Sr..

She leaves to mourn her daughter Rena (Robert) James and son Keith Malone. Granddaughter Kay Monelle and grandson Ryan James. Granddaughters Courtney, Jasmine, Desiray, and Brittney and grandson Corey Jr.. Additional grandchildren Ronesha, Jasmine, Darrell, and Terrell. Great granddaughters, Rayla and LaCorie. Goddaughter Rita Chew, Sister Floretta (Commodore) Collins, Aseline Colbert, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She will always be remembered as GG to great grandchildren Greg, II and Klarke. Though she may have departed this life, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The Hour of Remembrance for Erma will commence on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Eleventh Hour in the Boynton Community Center in Boynton, Oklahoma.

The Christian Committal will immediately follow the services in the Cane Creek Cemetery near Boynton.

Dinner will be served after the burial.