Erma Faye Smith

October 23, 1947 - September 27, 2026

Erma Faye Smith was born on October 23, 1947, to Hollie Faye Randolph and Alvin Parks. Following her parents’ divorce and her mother’s relocation to California to pursue new career opportunities, Erma was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Marzella Cromer and Charlie Key Randolph. At the age of five, Erma joined her mother in California, where she began her formal education.

Erma accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Progressive Baptist Church in Berkeley, California. Her faith remained a steadfast and guiding presence throughout her life.

Her mother, Hollie, later married David Farnum, an Air Force sergeant, and the family traveled to various military assignments, including Guam, before eventually settling in Lompoc, California. During the final three months of Erma’s senior year of high school, she transferred to Lompoc High School, where she marched with the Class of 1965. Her diploma, however, reflected her graduation from Portsmouth Senior High School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she had attended grades 8 through 12.

Following high school, Erma attended Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, before moving to San Francisco, where she lived with her aunt and uncle, Eva and Isaac Flippin. She continued her education while working professionally and attended the University of San Francisco, where she majored in Business Administration and later graduated.

Erma began her professional career with Bank of America as a clerk-typist and later served with the California State Attorney General’s Office. She eventually established her own legal typing business, Document Processing Service (DPS), with two business partners. Throughout her distinguished career, she held positions with the S.F. Lighthouse for the Blind, several prominent corporate law firms, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Erma retired after a long and dedicated career that included 20 years of public service and 25 years of federal service.

Erma met Carl Edward Smith while attending First Friendship Baptist Church in San Francisco, California, under the pastorate of Reverend E. LeRoy Evans. The two married and were blessed with one son, Carl Edward Smith, Jr.

The family later transferred their membership to Pearlgate Tabernacle Baptist Church in San Francisco, California, under the pastorate of Reverend Isaac Flippin. Erma was deeply committed to the ministry of Pearlgate, where she served faithfully for many years as church secretary, choir director, and trustee. She remained a member of Pearlgate for more than 40 years until moving to Pflugerville, Texas, where she united with High Pointe Baptist Church of Austin.

Erma was a life member of the Judicial Assistants Association and a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She was also active in her community through her membership in Beta Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc. As a dedicated member of her local chapter, Delta Chapter, she served in numerous leadership positions. At the national level, she served as Board Secretary, Tamias, Parliamentarian, and National President. Erma was also one of the three founding charter members of Sigma Sigma Beta Sorority, Inc., which was established on May 14, 2025.

A woman of many talents, Erma enjoyed floristry, gospel music, graphic design, and quilting. Her creativity, dedication, service, and love for others were reflected in all that she did.

Erma was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Parks; her beloved dad and provider, David Farnum; her mother, Hollie Faye Farnum; her brothers, Kenneth Parks, David Farnum, Jr., and Charles Isaac Farnum; her brothers-in-law, Joel Smith, Artis Smith, Vernon Hamilton, and John W. Smith; and her sisters-in-law Annie Shelbourne, Rose Zeta Hamilton, and Louise Jones.

Erma leaves to cherish and celebrate her life her beloved husband of more than 58 years, Carl E. Smith; her son, Carl E. Smith, Jr.; her sisters, Cassandra Wheeler (LeVoy), Evayon Farnum, and Jacqueline Lynette Farnum; her sisters-in-law, Rosie Smith, Lillie Eaglin, Vivian Robinson, Carol Smith, and Carolyn Smith; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Erma’s life was a testament to faith, service, perseverance, family, and love. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched, the organizations and churches she faithfully served, and the family and friends she loved so dearly. Though she is gone from our sight, her spirit, grace, and love will remain with us always.

A Visitation will be held for the public on Friday, October 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. At Cook Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home, Located at 14501 North Interstate Highway 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

Funeral Services for Erma Faye Smith will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Cook-Walden;Capital Parks Funeral Home, located at 14501 North Interstate Highway 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. This service can also be accessed through livestreaming.

Committal Services will be held at 12:30 p.m on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Randolph Family Cemetery in Chilton, TX. Directions to the cemetery will follow.