Ercie Abernathy

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Ercie I. Abernathy, 80, of Advance passed away Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born July 5, 1926, at Bolivar, Mo., daughter of Earnest and Olive Brown Duncan. She married Truman Markham Nov. 24, 1951, and he preceded her in death Jan. 23, 1976. She married Vernas Abernathy on Oct. 9, 1983, and he passed away April 24, 1995.

Ercie worked for many years with her husband Truman as fur buyers at Markham Fur Co. in Advance, and worked with her son in the antique shop. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a son, Jiles Markham of Advance; three daughters, Willadean Brown of Cape Girardeau, Janet and Odell James of Zalma, Mo., and Olive Fay and Bill Wallace of Lowndes, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. The Rev. Larry Underwood will officiate, with burial in Morgan Memorial Park in Advance.