Erma K. Portman

Erma was born in Jackson Heights, New York on April 20, 1925 to Erma and James Lione of New York City; Her mother was an attorney and her father a judge.

Always a lover and student of music, Erma was a gifted singer. During her years at NYU, studying Business Administration, she was a soloist at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. For years Erma was also a member of the Wesley Methodist Choir on St. Simons.

Erma married Dr. Edwin Kiss in 1947 and they resided in Flushing and Manhasset, NY with their two daughters Jan and Karen. While living in New York, Erma was very involved with the Womens Club of Great Neck, and many other social and philanthropic organizations. Erma and her family spent many of their summers on Sea Island and finally built their home on 30th street in 1975.

In 1990, after Dr. Kiss retired, Erma and Edwin left NY and moved to their Sea Island home permanently. Erma was a founding member of Skimmers and they were both members of the Mozart Society. Dr. Kiss passed away in 1998 after a long illness.

Long time friends Erma and Bill Portman were married in May of 2004 and moved to Ocean Forest where they were very active in several bridge groups and numerous philanthropic endeavors in Glynn County and beyond.

Erma is survived by her loving husband Bill Portman and their children: Jan Kiss of St. Simons, Karen Ward of Alexandria, Virginia, Joanne McDonald of Gainesville, Georgia, Susan Portman of St. Simons Island, Georgia and Billy Portman of St. Simons Island, Georgia; as well as her brother Henry Lione of Orlando, Florida. Her brother Dr. James Lione of Lake Worth, Florida pre-deceased her. Erma is also survived by: loving grandchildren, spouses and great-grandchildren, of their blended families.

The celebration of Erma’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday January 28, 2017 at Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica, with Reverend Steve Patton officiating.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to Hospice of the Golden Isles, The Well, Southeast Georgia Medical Center or Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica.