Erma Jean (Cooley) Martin

Erma Jean "Little Erma" Cooley Martin was born in Heidelberg, Mississippi. At the age of 75 she passed into eternity at home on March 9, 2026, in Erie, Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her parents, L.B. Cooley and Ruby Cooley (Ulmer), and by her beloved sisters, Irma Jean "Big Irma Cooley (Swain), Fannie Mae "Fan" Cooley, and Claudia Rose Cooley (Gavin).

Erma was a proud graduate of Strong Vincent High School in Erie, Pennsylvania, Class of 1969. She married the love of her life, Gregory E. Martin, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 57 years and was marked by partnership, faith, and enduring love.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Gregory E. Martin; her beloved daughter and sons, Shakira N Martin (Ebony), Michale "Kel" Cooley (Paige), Lewis Martin (Shekara), Joshua Martin (Melissa), and Antwon Martin (Celesta).

She is also survived by her sister, Betty Jean Cooley (Wesley Davis Sr.); her brother, L.B. "Brotha" Cooley Jr., her sister; LaVette Fayette Cooley (Everett Eddy): and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will forever treasure her presence, her conversations and wisdom, strength and determination, fire,  vibrant curiosity about life, the warmth of her smile, laughter, and sense of humor.

Erma lovingly expressed her care for family and friends through her extraordinary cooking and baking. Her kitchen was often filled with comforting aromas of scratch-made soul food and family favorite desserts, red velvet birthday cakes, cookies, pies, cobblers, bread pudding, banana pudding. cheesecakes, and countless other treats that helped create many joyful gatherings and cherished memories over the years.

After 25 years of dedicated service, Erma retired from General Electric. Yet her life's greatest callings were her faith, motherhood, and service to others. From early childhood, she felt led to be a faithful servant of the Lord and remained deeply committed to her spiritual life throughout her lifetime. She was an active member of several congregations, including Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Heidelberg, Mississippi; Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Erie, Pennsylvania; Mount Ebal Baptist Church in Erie, Pennsylvania, and St. James A.M.E. Church in Erie, Pennsylvania; St. James A.M.E. Church Cleveland OH, and Christian Ministries of the Apostolic Faith Church, Erie PA. Within these communities, she joyfully served as an usher, choir member, and auxiliary participant. Her generous spirit extended far beyond the church walls. She tirelessly offered support to family, friends, and those in need, and contributed to numerous charitable and philanthropy efforts benefiting children, the elderly, the unhoused, survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, missionary work, and humanitarian causes such as aid for Ukraine.

In addition to her deep love for God and family, Erma found joy in gardening. antiquing. Traveling, long country drives in search of fresh local produce and the beauty of autumn leaves, music, culture, and the arts. She valued walking. fitness, and nutrition, and lived with a vibrant appreciation for the simple and beautiful moments of life.

Erma Cooley Martin's legacy is one of faith, service, strength, generosity, and love. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erma Jean (Cooley) Martin, please visit our floral store.