Erma was born on November 17, 1936, in Greenville, Missouri to James and Ina Durham. She married Jimmie Dale Smith on December 26, 1959.
Erma graduated college with a Master's Degree in Reading, a love that she passed on to her daughter, and taught elementary school for the Roseville school district until her retirement in 1999. She was awarded 'Teacher of the Year" in 1994. Erma was an avid caregiver, providing love through her card ministry and throughout the years as a founding member of Bethany Baptist Church. She loved gardening and traveling, but her pride and joy was evident in their daughter, Sherri.
Erma is survived by daughter, Sherri Smith; her church family; and extended relatives. She was preceded in passing by her loving husband, Jimmie, and her siblings, Barbara Kidwell and Jimmie Durham.
Family will greet guests from 2:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 2 at Bethany Baptist Church, 19700 15 Mile Rd, Clinton Twp. Visitation at church from 10:00am until time of service.
Interment will take place at 10:30am on Wednesday, December 3 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, Michigan.
Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.Kaul-FH.com.
