Erna Lee Bernice Barrett

Erna was born on March 4, 1931, in Houston, Texas. She grew up in the Heights, attended Reagan High School, and was a proud member of the Reagan Redcoats. She began her career at Southern Pacific Railroad, where she met the love of her life, Ray. They were married in April of 1957 and began a life together rooted in love and devotion. Erna chose to leave her career to become a full-time mother, a role she embraced with grace and joy for the next 20 years. Once her children were grown, she returned to work and completed her career in the office at Bering’s Hardware on Westheimer Road in Houston.

A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in the Heights, Erna was baptized, confirmed, and married there. Her faith guided her throughout her life. She was active in the women’s circles, sewing team, and communion team, and cherished the friendships she formed at Zion, remaining connected for as long as she was able.

Erna found great joy at her bay house on Galveston Bay, where she spent many summer weekends surrounded by family and friends. She loved fishing off the pier, sitting on the porch in the mornings and evenings with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and watching the seagulls, pelicans, and the occasional dolphins. She also enjoyed gardening and cheering on the Houston Texans, the Astros, and the Texas A&M Aggies.

Erna was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose life was defined by faith, family, and quiet strength. She is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Daily and her husband Rick, and Rhonda Laumen and her husband Jerry; her grandchildren, Sarah Daily, Jake Daily and his wife Courtney, Brent Laumen and his wife Amanda, and Ryan Laumen; and her great-grandchildren, Emma Daily, Clara Laumen, Hallie Laumen, and Anna Laumen.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Rayford Barrett; her parents, Adriance and Erna Crittenden; and her sister, Adrienne Gilmore.

Erna was a strong woman of deep faith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers of Clearwater at the Heights and the loving attention they gave to mom during her stay.

Memorials may be made in Erna’s name to Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp, Houston, TX 77009, or to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008, on March 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will take place at Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp St, Houston, TX 77009, on March 5, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A Committal Service will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079, on March 5, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.