Erma Morrison

(From Parker Mortuary)

If ever there was a treasure in this world, we lost one on March 4, 2021.

Erma Lynn Davis Morrison passed away from a sudden illness at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

She was born in Nicut, Oklahoma on October 1, 1938 to Stanford and Mary (Turner) Davis. She grew up among the chat piles while her dad worked the Zinc mines. She graduated in 1957 from Picher High School, in Picher, Oklahoma. She was well-known for her outgoing personality and singing at the Free Will Baptist Church in Picher.

She met the love of her life at her first job at a local drive in. After graduating high school, she married Robert R. Morrison and they lived in various parts of the country including Fort Polk Army Base in Louisiana and Grants, New Mexico.

They returned to the area and settled in Commerce, Oklahoma. Eventually, they were able to buy a farm in Wyandotte and make it a home. Bob and Erma’s door was always open and they had many nieces and nephews stay with them through the years. Shortly after that their daughter, Dena Morrison DeMint was born.

Erma spent her days volunteering in the church, playing piano and working with kids in Girl Scouts, milking on the dairy farm, keeping house, and running to the next big town to get a part for the Ford tractor.

She also served as a volunteer with the Quapaw Indian School and afterschool programs at the Methodist Church in Wyandotte. She attended NEO A&M College and enjoyed studying American Literature.

A devoted Christian, she was a member of Sycamore Valley Methodist Church, Fairland Christian Church and when moving to Joplin, the Free Will Baptist Church.

In the 90s Erma trained and worked as a CNA in Neosho. She enjoyed helping those who could not help themselves.

She later worked at Sam’s Club in Joplin, MO. She tried her hand as a sample lady, photo lab tech, cashier, and door greeter. She made many friends there and left an impression on everyone she met with her infectious laugh and warm greetings. Always willing to lend an ear, she left everyone with a smile on their face and the joy of having met such a woman.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her seven siblings, Jewel, Glen, Lucille, Carl, J.R., Leon, and Mildred.

Erma is survived by her husband, Robert and daughter, Dena DeMint and son-in-law, Brian DeMint, granddaughter, Natalie DeMint and many nephews and nieces. Particularly close to her was her niece, Wanda McKenzie. They often argued who was in charge, as Mom was the Aunt but Wanda is two years older and much taller. She was also fond of her nephew, Bill Davis, who lived with them on the farm for a time, and his wife, Gay Davis.

The family has no immediate plans for services due to COVID and Erma’s wishes for a small gathering.

The family wishes to thank all the people who helped during her last few years, especially neighbors Jay & Tamy Marley, George & Debbie Lioubinski, and Ron & Deloris Bowen.