Erma L. Dennis

With love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Erma Dennis, who peacefully transitioned from this life on February 1, 2025, at the age of 103. Born on August 25, 1921, in Memphis, Tennessee, Erma was a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering honesty. She was loving but didn’t take any mess—she spoke her mind, stood her ground, and still had a heart big enough to give you the shirt off her back.

Erma the beloved daughter of Minnie Herd-Parks and Thomas Henderson, who preceded her in death. She was also reunited in eternal peace with her loving husband, Peter Orry Kerr, and her cherished children, Robert Lee and Patrice Monzelle.

A devoted mother, Erma raised her family with a blend of tough love, humor, and generosity. She is survived by her children: Hazelyn (Cedric) Tinsley of Phoenix, AZ, Nell Morris of Baltimore, MD, and her bonus daughter, Vickie Peeples of Saginaw, MI. She adored her grandchildren: Peter Dennis and Christain Smith of Saginaw, MI, Anthony Morris of Baltimore, MD, Carlishia Smith of Phoenix, AZ, Andrea Lamar and Debra Peeples of Saginaw, MI, and Jemil Peeples of Dallas, TX. Her love and influence extended to 23 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom learned valuable lessons from her wisdom and no-nonsense approach to life.

She was a devoted sister, always treasuring the memory of her late sisters— “The Golden Girls”: Alice Renwrick, Helen Pitts, Evelyn Seager, and Mildred Smith. She was also welcomed home by her brothers: Joseph Henderson, Arthur Henderson Sr., Rudolph Henderson, Robert Henderson, and Fred Parks.

Erma had a deep love for her nieces and nephews, including Gloria Sims, Patricia Hatfield, Kim (Lathan) Wilson, Crystal Harris, Yvonne Laster, Anton Parks Jr., Freddie Wilson, Marcus Fitzgerald, and Michael (Debra) Coleman, along with many others. She also shared a special bond with her goddaughter, Tammy Camel.

In addition to her parents, siblings, and children, Erma was preceded in death by her dear grandson, Van’Quayvius Tinsley, and her beloved nephews, Arthur Henderson Jr., Anton Parks Sr., and Anthony Coleman.

For many years, Erma was a cherished resident of the Buena Vista Senior Center, where she built a close-knit community of friends. She shared countless laughs, conversations, and special moments with her dear friends Tonya, Mattie, Tina, Dorothy, and Cleo, who became like family to her.

Throughout her 103 years, Erma was known for being firm but fair, hilarious yet wise, and always generous to those in need. She kept traditions alive, had a sharp sense of humor, and made sure everyone around her knew exactly where she stood. She had a way of telling it like it is, but always with a heart full of love and a laugh that could light up a room. She believed in hard work, family, and faith, carrying those values with her every single day.

She also held a special place in her heart for her lifelong best friends, Grant and Marie Crockett, and Shirley Liddell, who now welcome her home.

 Her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched. Though she may be gone in body, her spirit—and her unforgettable presence—will remain with us forever.

Rest easy, Erma Dennis—you were one of a kind, and your love, wisdom, and unshakable spirit will never be forgotten.