of Jonesboro, AR
August 14, 1941 - June 22, 2021
Erma Lou (Norton) Brady, 79, of Jonesboro, died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, after a very brief battle with a malignant brain tumor.
Erma was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Cecil Dale Brady of Imboden. Erma met Cecil at the Jonesboro Business School and they were married September 17, 1960. Together they were dedicated to their church, calling the Hogs, enjoying and supporting their family, extended family and friends, and ranching on land located just down the road from Pine Log Cemetery. Erma was also preceded in death by her parents; Benjamin L. Norton and Maudie L. (Sherwood) Norton; three sisters, Vera Armstrong, Edith Griffin and Bennie Layne; and two brothers, James ''Bud'' Norton and Otis Lynn (Norton).
Erma is survived by her sons, Kevin Brady and Jason Brady; her daughters, Megan (Brady) Dunn and Kelsi Brady; three grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Erma was born in Beebe, AR on August 14, 1941. She moved to Jonesboro in the 10th grade and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1959 and graduated in 1960 from the Jonesboro Business College, thanks to a Kiwanis' Club scholarship. After graduation, Erma immediately joined the Frierson, Walker and Snellgrove Law Firm as a legal secretary. In 1986, Erma graduated from the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, GA to become a paralegal. She worked for the Snellgrove Law Firm for 56 years until her retirement in 2016.
Erma was a 1975 tri-level charter member of the Jonesboro Legal Secretaries Association (JLSA), the Arkansas Association of Legal Secretaries (AALS) and the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS), which later became the Northeast Arkansas Chapter of the National Association for Legal Professionals (NALS). As a member, she served as state president of the AALS and was named ''Legal Secretary of the Year'' in 1982.
In retirement, Erma was not one to sit idle, and quickly sought out a lifelong passion and joy of hers, education and working with young children. She started by serving as a substitute teacher and in 2018, joined the staff at Fox Meadow Elementary School with the Nettleton school district, working there until her death.
From an early age, Erma gave her heart, soul and dedicated her life to God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, and for over 60 years, a member of the First Church of the Nazarene of Jonesboro. Erma strived to serve God as a member of the congregation and in multiple roles for over six (6) decades on the church board. One of her favorite roles was as the church's Sunday School Director and Vacation Bible School Director.
Graveside services will be 10:30 am Friday at the Pine Log Cemetery Pavillion with Pastor Sarah Scott officiating. No visitation is scheduled.
Honorary pallbearers include Dr. William Hurst. The Brady family especially give thanks to God for Dr. Hurst for both his wonderful medical service and Christian approach with both Erma and Cecil during their lives. Other honorary pallbearers include all past and present attorneys and staff at the Snellgrove, Langley, Culpepper, Williams and Mullally Law Firm; past and present friends and members of NALS; past and present clergy and members of the First Church of the Nazarene in Jonesboro and members of the Church of the Nazarene denomination located all around the world; and past and present administrators, staff, teachers, and students at Fox Meadow Elementary School.
The Brady family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Nurse Christy with Saline Memorial Hospice, Ms. Lisa with Home Instead in Benton and the staff at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for their love and great care of Erma.
Because of her love for her church and education, the Brady family is requesting no flowers or plants please. Per Erma's wishes, please consider sending a memorial to either the First Church of the Nazarene of Jonesboro, PO Box 8037, Jonesboro AR 72401 or to the Erma Brady Memorial Education Fund, in care of Centennial Bank-ATTN: Sharron Estes, PO Box 7514, Jonesboro, AR 72401, to establish Arkansas 529 Education Savings Accounts.
Arrangements are under the care of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro
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15 Condolence(s)
Janet Triplitt Freed
Sunday, June 27, 2021
I knew Erma in high school and she was a very kind person. She had a life well lived and God bless
her family.
Brenda House
Saturday, June 26, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Erma’s passing. I had great respect for her and Cecil. They were great neighbors and friends to my parents. God truly welcomed a sweet lady to Heaven! Prayers to her sweet family and may God send comfort to you all.
Zach Morrison, Attorney at Law
Thursday, June 24, 2021
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Erma. Our entire legal community has suffered a great loss.
Louie and Brenda Welch
Thursday, June 24, 2021
A much loved friend and mentor for over thirty years. A leader in her hometown community, and her legal community. Erma will always be in our hearts, but we know that she is rejoicing in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Louie and Brenda Welch
Thursday, June 24, 2021
A much loved friend and mentor for over thirty years. A leader in her hometown community, and her legal community. Erma will always be in our hearts, but we know that she is rejoicing in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Nancy Nelms
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Ms. Erma was an inspiration to me, always hard working, honest, and matter of fact. She encouraged me many times. Our loss but heaven's gain.
Tim & Anne Marie Morse
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
We are heartbroken for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady who left a lasting legacy of service and love. Praying for a peace that passes all understanding in these days. May God be your comforter and ever present help in this time.
Rita and Gary Allen
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
We loved Aunt Lou so very much. I know Heaven is rejoicing with her coming home. All our love to you.
Harvey Hargrove
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
I mourn with you in the passing of your loved one and the pain that separation from this life brings , and I rejoice with you that she is now home in the presence of her Savior.
Harvey & Carol Hargrove
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
A wonderful tribute to a live beautifully lived. Surely God is saying "Well done, my faithful servant". Our deepest sympathies to you Jay, and your family.
Teresa Runkel
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Heaven gained a beautiful soul....her heart was full of God, family and sharing her kindness with others. Knowing her was a blessing to all those who were so lucky to have known her. Bless her family and friends...Fly high sweet friend til we meet again!
Jim Tubbs
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Erma’s obituary confirms what I thought of her. A “Giant†in the Christian faith. She was a hard worker and always a pleasure to do business with. Erma was a blessing . My condolences to the family. Jim Tubbs
Jennifer Franks
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
The most precious angel got her wings! Love you Ms. Erma!
Andy and Ronda Bryson
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
We are better people for having known Mrs. Erma. She was an amazing person that brought joy into so many people's lives. She will be missed so much by so many, especially the children whose life she made better by her presence. Andy & Ronda Bryson
Sherry (Susie) Horton
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
I am so so sorry to hear about Erma. She was a beloved lifelong friend. She and Cecil were great friends of mom and dad. I pray for your comfort, she will be missed by all.
Love to you,
Susie