Ermadell Dickey

In loving memory of Ermadell Powers Dickey, 85, better known as "Erma" in Cape Girardeau. She passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center.

She was born April 2, 1925, in Greene County, Ark., and raised as a dirt farmer's daughter. Erma's mother and father were Vadie and Allen Powers. Erma's late husband, James Dickey, preceded her in death in 1979.

Erma was also preceded by a daughter, Anne Lang, on Sept. 17, 2002, and a brother, Elvis L. Powers, on June 8, 2005.

Beloved mother of three daughters and a son, she is survived by Frankie Ratliff of Advance, Mo., Gene Mays of Bloomfield, Mo., and Dennis Fortenberry of Bono, Ark.; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and sister Ilene Lemons of Paragould, Ark.

Erma was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where she served as director of outreach and also worked with the bus ministry until she had major back surgery and could no longer work.

Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Bethany Baptist Church or Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.