Obituary for Erma J. Burton
OBITUARY of Erma Jean Burton
Sunrise: March 21, 1937 Sunset: March 1, 2021
Erma Jean Burton was a coal miner’s daughter. She was born in Daisytown, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1937, the eldest daughter of the late Howard and Larcena Dorsey. After a courageous battle with Ovarian cancer, Erma Jean was called home to eternal rest on March 1, 2021.
Erma earned her cosmetology license in 1954 before graduating from Bethlehem Joint High School in 1955. She continued her education graduating from Penn Commercial College in 1958 and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting from Allegheny Community College in 1980. Over a 28-year career, she climbed the senior management ranks of the U.S. Postal Service where she retired in 1992.
After retirement she helped to care for her parents and enjoy her favorite hobbies like bowling, shopping, painting, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Erma was an active member of Baptist churches over 50 years serving as Bible School Teacher, Youth Coordinator, Financial Secretary Trustee and First Lady. She was a longtime member of Nazarene Baptist Church. And most recent years, she was an active member of the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Reverend William H. Curtis, pastor.
She was united in marriage to the late Paul W. Burton for 20-years. And was married to the late George Coleman, Jr. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, astute business woman, entrepreneur and artist, who Loved the Lord.
Everyone close to Mom admired her talent as a self-taught artist, both painter and quilter. She was a member of the Vintage Quilters Guild and the Mt. Ararat Quilter’s Group, with whom she shared the craft of quilting. “Erma Art” has exhibited at The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and most recently, The Prince Georges African American Museum and Cultural Center, Brentwood, MD.
Erma Jean was preceded in death by her sister, Freda Sallie. She leaves to mourn her passing, two daughters: Victoria Coleman and Tamera Coleman. Two Grandsons: Terrelle J. Coleman and James E. Wright III
One Granddaughter: Jada M. Wright, A Great Grand-daughter: Jaslynn Wright and a Great Grand-Son: Jodi Wright
She leaves behind one brother, Holsey Dorsey of Yonkers, NY. And two sisters, Barbara Ann Thomas of Pittsburgh, PA and Verna Maxine Terry of Florida. And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In Erma’s Words
I am leaving this world with a peace that truly surpasses all my understanding.
I Love you all and I have enjoyed wonderful seasons with you.
But I am now excited about what lies ahead.
I got a foretaste in a vision a few night’s ago.
In spite of my shortcomings and stumbles along the way, I know Jesus is waiting, along with mom, dad and Freda and a host of others, with out-stretched arms to welcome me home.
My prayer for all of you my children, my family, friends and others,
“Find that perfect peace!”
As mom would say, “Be still and know that He is God and just keep counting your Blessings.”
I say, “ In all you do let it be done in love.” [1 Corinthians 16:14]
My formula for successful living and successful dying.
Erma Jean
Sunrise: March 21, 1937 Sunset: March 1, 2021
Erma Jean Burton was a coal miner’s daughter. She was born in Daisytown, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1937, the eldest daughter of the late Howard and Larcena Dorsey. After a courageous battle with Ovarian cancer, Erma Jean was called home to eternal rest on March 1, 2021.
Erma earned her cosmetology license in 1954 before graduating from Bethlehem Joint High School in 1955. She continued her education graduating from Penn Commercial College in 1958 and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting from Allegheny Community College in 1980. Over a 28-year career, she climbed the senior management ranks of the U.S. Postal Service where she retired in 1992.
After retirement she helped to care for her parents and enjoy her favorite hobbies like bowling, shopping, painting, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Erma was an active member of Baptist churches over 50 years serving as Bible School Teacher, Youth Coordinator, Financial Secretary Trustee and First Lady. She was a longtime member of Nazarene Baptist Church. And most recent years, she was an active member of the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Reverend William H. Curtis, pastor.
She was united in marriage to the late Paul W. Burton for 20-years. And was married to the late George Coleman, Jr. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, astute business woman, entrepreneur and artist, who Loved the Lord.
Everyone close to Mom admired her talent as a self-taught artist, both painter and quilter. She was a member of the Vintage Quilters Guild and the Mt. Ararat Quilter’s Group, with whom she shared the craft of quilting. “Erma Art” has exhibited at The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and most recently, The Prince Georges African American Museum and Cultural Center, Brentwood, MD.
Erma Jean was preceded in death by her sister, Freda Sallie. She leaves to mourn her passing, two daughters: Victoria Coleman and Tamera Coleman. Two Grandsons: Terrelle J. Coleman and James E. Wright III
One Granddaughter: Jada M. Wright, A Great Grand-daughter: Jaslynn Wright and a Great Grand-Son: Jodi Wright
She leaves behind one brother, Holsey Dorsey of Yonkers, NY. And two sisters, Barbara Ann Thomas of Pittsburgh, PA and Verna Maxine Terry of Florida. And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In Erma’s Words
I am leaving this world with a peace that truly surpasses all my understanding.
I Love you all and I have enjoyed wonderful seasons with you.
But I am now excited about what lies ahead.
I got a foretaste in a vision a few night’s ago.
In spite of my shortcomings and stumbles along the way, I know Jesus is waiting, along with mom, dad and Freda and a host of others, with out-stretched arms to welcome me home.
My prayer for all of you my children, my family, friends and others,
“Find that perfect peace!”
As mom would say, “Be still and know that He is God and just keep counting your Blessings.”
I say, “ In all you do let it be done in love.” [1 Corinthians 16:14]
My formula for successful living and successful dying.
Erma Jean