Erma Dean Farris

Erma Dean was the only daughter born to Ruff Davis and Ora Mae (Smith) Davis. Her young life was spent on their farm in Clarita, OK. After graduating high school, she attended East Central University where she pursued a degree in secretarial arts. With the shortage of teachers following World War II, she began teaching. While teaching in Bethel, OK, she met and married Eldon Leroy Farris on March 30, 1949. Their thirty-five years were spent in Shawnee, OK.

Erma Dean worked for years as a county clerk at the Pottawatomie court house. She and her husband owned and operated Farris Radio and TV. She was the den leader for her sons’ Cub Scout pack and active member of the Shawnee Band Parents Association and PTA. Erma Dean was a faithful member of Central Church of Christ in Shawnee, OK.

She was an excellent seamstress making her families’ suits and clothing. Later in life, she took up quilting and made several graduation quilts for her grandchildren. She loved being around people and regularly visited the shut-ins and elderly. She also enjoyed traveling, singing, playing dominos and cards, and working puzzles.

Erma Dean is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Leon Davis and Joe Davis, a daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Eldon.

She is survived by three sons; Steve Farris and wife Renee of Sparks, OK, Roger Farris and wife Lori of Shawnee, OK, and Mark Farris and wife Kyla of Catoosa, OK. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Elisha Thach and husband Brandon of Catoosa, OK, William Farris of Mission Viejo, CA, Thomas Farris of Oklahoma City, OK, Caleb Farris and wife Megan of Chandler, OK, Kari Britton and husband Jarred of Broken Arrow, OK, Hannah Alexander and husband Zane of Norman, OK, Brantley Farris and wife Katelyn of Tuscola, IL, Emily Farris of Norman, OK, and Laura Farris of Shawnee, OK. Also among her survivors are four great-grandchildren; Tanner and Riley Thach, Layla Alexander, and Judah Farris; and five step grandchildren, Sean Parman, Ryan Parman and wife Marisa, Kyle Parman, Arik Parman and wife Christan, and Cody Parman, all of Shawnee, OK. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Her zest for life touched everyone around her. Erma Dean was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.