Mrs. Erma Jean Fuller-Gray

July 1, 1930 - November 29, 2012

Erma Jean was born July 1, 1930 in Stonewall, Oklahoma. As a youth, very athletic and quick on her feet, Erma excelled in sports, especially running track and knew that coaching athletics would be her livelihood. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas and her Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University. For over thirty-eight years, she taught and coached in middle and high schools in Navasota and Hempstead school districts. Erma was a devoted Christian and faithful member of the Smyrna Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Navasota, Texas until her health began to fail. She knew that her life's calling was to guide her children and grandchildren in their acceptance of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as Savior and to nurture the development of their character and God-given gifts. Her joys included Bible study, spending time with family and participating, coaching and watching various sporting events. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Vander, Sr. and Laura Reed; sister and best friend, Bobbie Jean Johnson; and older brother, Vander Reed, Jr. She is survived by her two sons – David Gene (Sandra) Manning of Fort Worth, Texas and Michael Lawrence Gipson of Dallas, Texas; one daughter – Katie Patricia Fuller of Prairie View, Texas; one brother – Roy Reed of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren – David Gene (Aytch) Manning, Jr., Jerrica Marie (Harrison) Brewer, Solomon Reed Manning, Michael Courtland Gipson, Laura Moneke (Shawn) Jones, Troy Don (Keisha) Thomas, and Trent Donte Thomas, Sr.; six great-grandchildren – Mandelyn, Jaiden, Kayla, Dylan, Tory and Trent, Jr.; host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends morn her demise.