Mrs. Erma Jean Madden

In her teenage years, like most of her contemporaries, she migrated North for a better life.

Her first stop was Detroit, Michigan.

She professed her life to Christ at an early age and was a very active member of Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church until her health declined. Serving in several capacities such as the Senior Usher Board, Pastor Parish Relations and most recently Class Leaders and the Van Ministry. After graduating high school in 1963, she moved to Chicago and worked in various occupations. With stops at Lake City Laundry and Stifel Lamps, Erma was a quiet and reserved lady who made friends with everyone. In 1966, she married Nick Madden Jr. (which she shared the same birth date and year) and enjoyed 53 years of marital bliss.

At an early age, Erma developed a love for children and their well-being. Erma was a home daycare provider for over 30 years. Her love for children and providing them with home-cooked meals in a loving environment made her a legend in her neighborhood. Erma was also known for making a “mean” sweet potato pie. In retirement, Erma assumed the responsibility of providing round the clock care for her mother. This was the tradition of the Goldens, for they were a people who took care of their own.

Preceding Erma in death were her mother: Mae Lela Turner; grandparents: James and Magnolia Golden; and brother: Barney Butler.

Erma departed this life on November 8, 2019. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband Nick Madden Jr; daughter: Leda Roshelle Madden; son: James Lamont Madden; grandson: Joshua Jerrell Andrews; great-granddaughter: Taulia Andrews; Sisters-in-Law: Bessie Petty and Katie Wells and a dear friend of over 50 years: Patricia Moore; and a host of relatives and friends.

Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

Proverbs 22:6

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

Revelation 21:4

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”