Erma Lee Smith was born on October 19, 1925 in Meridian, Oklahoma to Launzy and Beatrice Love.  She attended the local schools in Meridian.  Erma Lee accepted Christ in her life at an early age.  She attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Meridian, until relocating to Blythe, California.  She then attended St. Paul Baptist Church in Blythe and was a faithful member until her health failed.

Erma Lee and John Smith were married at the First Baptist Church in Guthrie, Oklahoma on May 2, 1946.  They were blessed with nine children.  Erma Lee never learned to drive, but she loved to walk and especially around the neighborhood visiting with family and friends.  Erma Lee was employed as a domestic worker for many years.  She loved to cook, particularly for family gatherings and holidays.  She also loved to bake and her specialty dish was peach cobbler.

She leaves to cherish, Margaret Thompson (Albert) of St. Marys, GA, Lorene Parker of Los Angeles, CA, Sherri Hatchett (Kevin) of Winchester, CA, John Smith Jr., Ruby Cordova (Alex), Evelyn Smith, Jerry Smith and Teresa Smith, all of Blythe, CA; she was blessed with 39 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren.  Erma Lee is also survived by her Aunt Bernice Mack of Blythe, CA; three brothers, Alvin Love (Mayetta) of Guthrie, OK, Simmie Love (Lola) and Augustus 'Jr' Love (Linda) of Blythe, CA; one sister, Minnie Harton of Oklahoma City, OK; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Smith; daughter Charlene Henderson; mother Beatrice Love; father Launzy Love; brothers Calvin Love and Robert Love;  and sister Alreece Luke.

Erma Lee will be greatly missed and will always be in the hearts and memories of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 25th from 6-8:00 pm at Frye Chapel.  Funeral service will be on Friday, October 26th at 12:00 noon also at Frye Chapel with interment following at Palo Verde Cemetery.