Ermalee Smith

Vernitta "Ermalee" Smith, 78, of Cape Girardeau walked into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by her family at home.

She was born in Perkins, Missouri, to Raymond and Lillie Marie Mouser Eaker. She married Sam Smith on June 24, 1961, at Bethany Baptist Church. They were blessed with 60 1/2 years together.

Ermalee shared Christ's love by writing cards to encourage others, making sweet treats for her neighbors, cooking for her family and spending time with her family and Life Group Class. She also served in Celebrate Recovery with Sam, where she was lovingly called "Ermie." She was a cook at Cape Girardeau Public Schools for 15 years and was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Sam; two sons, Jeffrey Scott (Dawn), and Sidney Neal (Cherie) of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Penny Leah (Ken) Tifft of New Kent, Virginia. She was known as "Granny" to her grandchildren, Jeremy (Caitlin) Bey, Blake (Katie) Stagner, Garrett (Stephanie) Smith, Alex Stagner and Sophia Smith; two great-granddaughters, Katelyn Lee Stagner and Mackenzie Eve Bey that she was thrilled to meet; two sisters, Dimple (Delbert) Wiseman, Linda (Dick, deceased) Seabaugh; and two brothers, Dewayne (Velma) Eaker, Gary (Katy) Eaker; many nieces and nephews; her supportive and caring friends; and much loved church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie and Raymond Eaker; brothers, Verlee (and Joyce) Eaker and Bill Eaker; and sister, Wanda (and Lewis) Hess.

Ermalee will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and although she was small in stature, she will forever be remembered as a mighty prayer warrior who loved the Lord.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec 5, at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating.

Burial will be at Russell Heights in Jackson.

Memorial contributions may be given to Lynwood Baptist Church.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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