Erma Janie McPherson

On February 9, 2025, Erma Janie McPherson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 76. Born on November 6th, 1948, in Freeport, New York, Erma was the cherished daughter of Jessie Carl Townsend Sr. and Hazel Linda Townsend. She was the fourth of six siblings and shared a close bond with her brothers and sisters: the late RL Townsend, Garnett Averett and Linda Tyson and her living siblings Mable Fraizer, Jessie Carl Townsend Jr. Erma extended her love and respect to her in-laws, including her sister-in-law Delores Townsend and her brother-in-law Ronald Tyson, as well as loved ones like Sister-in-law Venus “Tina” Townsend. Family was everything to Erma, and no family member was ever left out of her love or prayers. She took the time to nurture every relationship, making all who knew her feel seen and cherished. Erma valued education and pursued her studies in Business Administration at Bronx Community College, which paved the way for a long and successful career. She spent over 25 years at Chase Bank, where she worked in corporate banking, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues for her professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. After retiring, Erma began a second career at ShopRite in Middletown, where she worked as a seafood clerk. Known for her warm personality and tireless work ethic, Erma became a favorite among coworkers and customers alike, embracing this new role with the same dedication she brought to everything she did. Beyond her professional achievements, Erma was a woman of many talents and passions. A skilled seamstress, she enjoyed creating with her hands, weaving love and care into her work. She was also an avid bowler and a proud member of the Quinnz Pinz bowling league, where she spent countless evenings laughing and competing with her teammates Like Scott, Donny and Greg. Erma also had a deep sense of love and friendship that defined her life. One of her most cherished relationships was with Jane Tuitt, her dearest friend of 70 years. To Erma, Jane was more than a friend, she was a sister. Their bond, built on unwavering love and loyalty, stood the test of time and brought joy and strength to both of their lives throughout the decades. Her fun-loving nature extended to her retirement years, where she built strong friendships with Norma Broadman and Collen Archer, who contributed laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories to her later years. At ShopRite, she formed a close bond with her co-worker Dawn Murphy, whose love and friendship spanned over a decade, making their workplace feel like home. In her days after ShopRite, Erma met Brett Peace, who became like a son to her and a brother to her children, further enriching her life with his kindness and steady support. Erma found love later in life with her life partner, the late John Organ. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to love’s enduring power. Through their union, Erma embraced his daughters, Ajike Kendrick & Maisha Uzuri Asegun, Sofia Lawernce, and Denise Organ, as her own. Together, they bore witness to the deep and lasting bond between John and Erma, creating a legacy of love and unity that will be forever cherished. Affectionately known as “Aunt Erma Janie” to her nieces and nephews, she was a source of love, laughter, and guidance to them all. Her legacy of love will live on through Margarita Aiken-Averett Darren & Brenda Averett, Anthony Troy Averett Sr., Tanya & Thomas Samuel and JC & Wendy Townsend, Robert Townsend, and Rhonda Tyson, Germaine & Bernard Johnson, and Michael Tyson, as well as Stephanie Benjamin, Lonyetta “Yae Yae” Smith, and Carl Frazier. She will forever hold a special place in their hearts and in the countless memories they shared. She also touched the lives connected to the Townsend love legacy, including nephews Jeffery and Charles Tyson, Edwin “Poochie” Trone, and Oshi Reese. Her Grand nieces and nephews also played a part in her legacy of love; Deshekha Townsend, Destany and Zyaire Samuels, Whitney Averett, Courtney Averett, Ali, Miya, and Malcom Bacon, Jennifer, Stephanie and Anthony Tyson. Joining the Grand nieces and nephews are Tameka Averett, Donald Averett III, Justin Spalding, Anthony Troy Averett Jr., Michael Averett and Brianna Averett, Justin Welds, Jesse C Townsend IV, Jordan Townsend, Jeremiah Townsend, Javonna Townsend, Savannah Aguilar, Lauri Meoshi, Halle Reese, Iyonna Thompson, Mealoni Thompson, Mealoni Fraizer, Ja’Mani Smith, Sah’ray Smith, Regina Fraizer, Danielle Fraizer, Shandra, Sandra, Alfonza and Naveah James. The Townsend, Tyson, Frazier and Averett family connection and all its members will forever be in her heart. Erma’s greatest joy, however, was her immediate family. She is survived by her loving children, Durell McPherson, Deighton Bell, and Shenell Mills, her cherished grandson, Brandon McPherson, and her daughters through love, Ajike Kendrick & Maisha Uzuri Asegun, Sofia Lawernce, and Denise Organ. They were the light of her life, and her legacy of love and strength will live on through them and the countless lives she touched. A celebration of Erma’s life will be held on February 15th, 2025, at 2pm- 6pm, at Martinez-Morse Funeral home in Middletown, NY. Flowers are acceptable, but in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to GOFUNDME - https://tinyurl.com/2zdkypfs Erma Janie McPherson was a woman of grace, kindness, and laughter. Her presence lit up every room, and her memory will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Though she is no longer with us, the lessons, love, and joy she shared will live on forever.

Erma Janie McPherson

November 6, 1948 - February 9, 2025