Erma Jean Harris

Erma J. Harris was born on November 4, 1947 and adopted with love at a tender age by Leon and Aretha Braswell of Little Rock, Arkansas. Erma was the oldest daughter of seven children. She was born with a loving heart and had a special way with people.

She graduated with her Associate of Arts from the College of Sequoias in Visalia, California. Erma accepted Christ into her life at young age and rededicated herself to Christ in the early 1990’s. Erma united in matrimony to Mr. Johnny Harris on November 9, 1996 in Austin, Texas. Erma and Johnny remained loving companions for twenty one years until her passing. She loved fishing and cooking and sharing her faith with everyone she met. She loved joking and making people laugh along with sewing and wearing stylish hats and clothing.

Erma worked in the medical field for a number of years. She also drove for Capitol Metro as bus driver and continued her driving career throughout the years. Erma was a loving wife, caring mother, and devoted member of Greater Peace Christian Church (GPCC). Evangelist Harris was ordained as an associate minister at the GPCC initially under Bishop Craig High. Later she worked under Bishop G.A. Washington as an Associate Minister where she established a Nursing Home Ministry in which she was loved by both the residents & staff. They all looked forward to seeing her as she ministered there faithfully each month. She also ministered at the Travis County Prison once a month where many of the inmates viewed her as another mother. She served faithfully as a Minister, Usher, and Christian Education Staff member until her illness hindered her. She was an integral part of the ministry at GPCC and will be sorely missed!

Erma was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Aretha Braswell; her daughter Aretha Young; and brother Robert Braswell. She leaves to cherish her memory of her husband, Johnny Harris; sons Levell (Yolanda) Washington, Sr. and Marcus Washington; daughters Marita Washington and La’Miracle (Derek) Brown; sisters Iris Brown, Ummil-Khair El’Amin, Faye Brown, Fentrease Stewart, Yolanda (Victor) Williams; and brother Rickey Bea. Grandchildren: Marlena Ramirez, Giani (Yves) Duclair, Shamirra (Shaun) O’Neal, Sharie (Robert) Williams, Levell (Ashley) Washington, Jr., Brenecia Washington, Antheia Fuller, Aretha (Vontarius) Langston, Terell Washington, Marlesha Parker, Kenneth Jackson Jr., Nathanael Brown, Natasha Brown, Nya Dotson, Jerrica Gray, Jordan Washington, Markayla Arthur, Destiny Brown, and Derius “DJ” Brown. Great grandchildren: Whitney Hayes, Brooke Duclair, Levell Washington III, Ashton Washington, Avery Washington, Legend Washington, Evie O’Neal, Shamar Williams, Maliyah Williams, Aubrie Noble, Kobe Noble, and Natalia Brown. Erma leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2018 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in The Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with a committal service directly afterwards in Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.