A Celebration of Life of Erma Z. Thomas

Erma Z. Thomas was born on August 18, 1928, in Marshall, Texas to the union of F.J. Johnson and Lee Donia Christian. Along with her brother F.J. “Bubba” Johnson Jr, she grew up in the Baptist faith as the daughter of Pastor F.J. Johnson Sr.

Erma and her family left racial and social injustices of the Jim Crow South arriving in Seattle WA to in early childhood. She attended Seattle Public Schools, graduating from Cleveland High School.

Married and divorced, she gave birth to two children Linda Louise Chapman and Herman Thomas. Erma was a tireless worker who was committed to the care and welfare of her children. She was employed in the Housekeeping Services Department of Group Health Cooperative, Seattle WA for 35 years. She was well respected, admired by her coworkers for dedication to her work and commitment to her family.

Erma Thomas was truly a gem as described in this poem written by her father the Reverend F.J. Johnson:

Full many a gen of purest ray serene,

The dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bare,

Full many a flower is born to blossom unseen,

And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

Preceded in death by her children Linda Louise, Herman and her younger sibling F.J. “Bubba” Johnson Jr. Erma passed into Perfect Peace on Saturday, December 04, 2021. In passing she died as she had lived--- peaceful and without fanfare. She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted grandchildren, Jardea Alece Kane, Jacques B. Peel, her son in law, Dr. Micheal Kane, sister-in-law Joyce Johnson and nieces Terri Johnson and Valerie Johnson, other relatives, friends, and coworkers. Erma was a loving person, mother and friend to all. Services entrusted to Scott Funeral Home