Erma R. Thomas

Erma Ree Thomas was born in Monroe County, Alabama to the union of Lonnie (Longmire) and Otis Riley on April 28, 1940. She was raised by her aunt Hattie Douglas. On January 22, 1959 Erma married John L. Thomas Jr., and together they had two beautiful children. She later moved to Akron, Ohio in 1978, and began working as an educator for Akron Public Schools where she inspired and fostered the development of many youths for 32 years. Erma enjoyed gardening, listening to jazz, music, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was loved and respected by all who knew her and was affectionately known as "Ms. Thomas" by many young people across the Akron area.

On Tuesday, May 22, 2017 Erma Thomas departed this life peacefully in the comfort of her home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers James W. Riley, Victor Riley, and Lee Riley; sister Gwendolyn Riley-Singleton; and daughter Cheryl Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory former husband John L. Thomas of Gary, Indiana; faithful and dedicated son Darron C. (Jennifer) Thomas Sr. of Akron, Ohio; six grandchildren Darron C. (Erika) Thomas Jr. of Yokosuka, Japan, DelRicko L. Thomas, Tatiana McCruel-Thomas, John L. Thomas III, Nicholas C. Thomas, Dominic N. Thomas, all of Akron, Ohio. She also leaves behind her sister Mary Hammett and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loved ones and friends.

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