She was born July 23, 1923 at her parents' home just south of Bryant, daughter of Bruce and Esther (Gilmore) Black. She first married Kimber W. Collins on April 4, 1942 in Kahoka, Missouri. Kimber died in 1958. She later married William L. Downing on June 28, 1963 in Lewistown at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, he survives. Bill and Erma celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2013. As her health declined, Bill was her loving caretaker in their home.
Surviving are two children: Edward K. Collins of O'Fallon, Illinois and Terry R. (Donna) Collins of rural Lewistown, Illinois; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death in by two brothers, Wilfred and Eugene; and one sister, Wilma.
She graduated from Canton High School in 1941. She served one term as assessor in Liverpool Township and had worked at Star Delivery in Canton prior to graduating from Flamingo Beauty School in Peoria in 1961. She ran Erma’s Beauty Salon in her home in Little America for over twenty years and was a devoted wife and mother.
She was a member of the Canton Hairdressers’ & Cosmetologist Affiliate #28. She was also a member of the sewing club, TYR Club and card club. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church since 1972.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 3 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, with visitation one hour prior to services. Pastor Kathy Barrett will officiate. Burial will be at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church of Lewistown or donor's choice.
Please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com to post online condolences.
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