Erma F Henson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Erma Florence Henson, who passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2025, at the age of 88 surrounded by her family. Erma was a devoted wife for 65 years to her late husband, Ed Henson. An adoring mother to her two children, Elizabeth Pyke and William Henson. And a beloved Grandmother and great-grandmother to her 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren whom she cherished. 

Erma was born on July 28th,1936 in Graham, Texas in a religious home. Erma embraced the love of God throughout her life. From a young age, Erma exhibited a passion for education, a trait that would define much of her life. Erma attended Texas Tech University, where she excelled in Art and English Literature. Upon graduating with a BA and MA from Texas Tech, Erma embarked on a career in Education, teaching elementary school in Sacramento, CA, Boston, MA, and then in Tulsa, OK where she resided happily for much of her life. Erma was a pillar in the community and was very active in the Junior League of Tulsa. She was a member of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church for 55 years. Upon moving to Georgia, she treasured her membership at Midway United Methodist Church.

When she wasn’t serving her community, Erma could most often be found in the kitchen, baking and making meals for her family and friends. You can’t consider yourself a friend of Sweet Erma if you haven’t tried one of her breakfast rolls, coffee cakes or triangles! Music and humor were two more of Erma’s passions. One of her favorite songs combines the two quite well. “It’s Hard to be Humble”, written by Mac Davis is a tune that the entire Henson family has memorized and sings quite off-key but cheery enough that you can’t help but participate. There is a line that reads “To Know Me is to Love Me” and there has never been a verse sung that could sum up Erma Henson more.

Family is one of the foundations on which Erma built her life. Erma and Ed strived to leave behind a legacy for their children. Erma has gifted each member of her family a cookbook titled “With Love” and in it is her dedication page to her two children. An excerpt reads, “To my Children, the best there ever was, they gave and continue to give me so very much love, joy, excitement, entertainment and a chance to try things with them and have a great deal of success.” Erma’s family will continue that legacy by instilling the same Love, Joy, and Excitement into everything they do. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from the Midway United Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M., burial will follow in Sawnee View Gardens. If you cannot attend the service, we ask that you celebrate Erma’s life by wearing her favorite color, red, and share a story about her so her memory may live on.

As we bid farewell to Erma, we remember her extraordinary life and the many ways she enriched our own. Though Erma may no longer be with us, her spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Erma. Your memory will shine brightly in the lives of those you have touched.