Erma Harris

Erma Marie (Beer) Harris, 91, of Columbus, Ohio, died peacefully in her sleep on February 3, 2019 at Continuing Healthcare of Gahanna, Ohio. Born November 10, 1927, in Columbus, Ohio, she is predeceased by her parents, Lawrence L. Beer Sr. and Viola Alice (Howard) Beer. She was also predeceased by her two brothers and one sister-in-law, Lawrence L Beer Jr. and his wife, Blanche Alita (Martin) Beer, and Cyrus Michael Beer. Erma is survived by her daughter Lorraine Carolyn (Harris) Jones and two grandchildren, Roderick E. Jones II and April Lynne (Jones) Posey and her husband, Kurtis Posey. She also had three great-grandchildren, Noah, Hannah, and Gabriellah. Also Nieces, nephews, cousins, and a number of other relatives and close friends.

As children and teenagers, Erma and her two brothers lived on St. Clair Avenue and 785 Mulberry Street. Erma graduated from East High School in 1946. She worked in a hospital as a Nurse's Aide and then began taking care of pre-school and elementary school age children at the Mulberry Street address for $2.00 per day. They ranged in ages from six weeks to 10 years old and included two to three generations of the same family. Her efforts proved to be a very important service to many families in the community.

Erma also gave her time to help the elderly in the neighborhood to tidy up their home, do laundry, and provide a plate of food when they came up a little short. Erma was ready and willing to care for her family as well.

When Erma's mother, father, and youngest brother became ill at different stages of their own lives, she was there being a caregiver for each. As time passed, she continued to maintain the family home with some assistance from her daughter, Lorraine and two adult grandchildren, Roderick II and April. Erma also provided childcare assistance to her two grandchildren and two of the three great-grandchildren while they were pre-school age. She always had a family pet dog, her latest was a Pug named Serenity.

Erma's final days were in a facility, 'Continuing Healthcare of Gahanna' after a foot injury she was also diagnosed with Dementia. While there, she loved participating in arts, crafts, wheelchair games, church, and Bingo. Erma would always greet family and friends with, "You are so…..Beautiful!" or "You are so….Handsome!" "Come see me whenever you can!" "Whenever they have something going on they always come and get me!" "I love you!" "I can't complain!" "Sugar pie honey bunch!" "I beg your pardon I never promised you a rose garden!"

Arrangements were entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230 where a memorial service will be held toward the end of February. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association Central Ohio Chapter 1379 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215.