Obituary of Mother Erma Jean Ezell

Erma Jean Glenn was born in Hope, Arkansas January 17, 1932 to the parents of Basil Glenn and Laura Lou Cannon-Glenn.  She was a part of a most wonderful community of people who resided in the Hempstead County.  Nothing could compare to the Christmas times at the Cannon home and all the many holidays were nothing but wonderful in the city of Hope, Arkansas.  Erma attend Garret Chapel Baptist Church where she gave her life to Jesus Christ at the age of 5 and continued where walk with the Lord for 82 years.  It was at Garret Chapel where her Christian training and learning began.  She was an avid Sunday School attendee along with her family.  She attended many Southwest District Congress of Christian Education, of the National Baptist Association of the state of Arkansas as well as many Sunday School Conventions over the years.  

Erma spent her formative years not only at church events but was a graduate of Yeager High School of Hope, Arkansas.  Erma attended Arkansas AM & N College of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  She took advantage of an opportunity to advance her education by enrolling at the Lincoln Skill Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she studied to improve her accounting skills.

Erma moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in her early adult life and saw her very first snow fall that year which see thought was a wonderful site.  She met many new people and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and there continued to grow under the leadership of Pastor Arnold Robinson.  Later, Erma became a member of the Allen Chapel AME Church under the leadership Dr. D. H. Harris and became a member of the Young Matrons group of the church for well over 25 years.  She also sang in the Bethany Choir of the church for many years.  Finally, because a member of the Mt. Calvary Christian Bible Church under the leadership of her son, Episcopal Pastor Timothy S. Ezell, Th.D.  Her move was centered around having her family worship together in one place.  During her years at Mt. Calvary, Erma taught Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, attended Mt. Calvary School of the Bible, and sang in the choir.  At the request of Deacon Ernest Joseph, Erma began the Pre-Mother’s Day Prayer Breakfast that continues to this day.  She was consecrated a Deaconess of the Mt. Calvary Christian Bible Church and served faithfully as the Church Mother for many years.  Erma loved the Lord Jesus Christ and studying the Bible.  She would challenge anyone on Scriptural principles concerning their salvation and walk with the Lord.

She met the love of her life, Felix Ezell and married November 1955.  Soon after their marriage their first son, Timothy Scott was born, then a daughter, Phyllis Lorraine then Stephen Michael was born.  The proudest moments were their respective birthday parties and Christmas dinners with the other family members.

Erma worked for the Gilmore Brothers Department Store for well over 45 years as Systems Audit Supervisor.  She received many excellent reviews each of the years of her employment until retirement.

Erma Jean Ezell was preceded in death by her parents, Basil Glenn and Laura L. Cannon Glenn and brother James Douglas “Jackie” Glenn, and aunts, Ethel B. Cannon and Christine G. Collins.

She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Dr. Timothy S. (Susie) Ezell; daughter, Ms. Phyllis L. Ezell, and Stephen M. Ezell.  Grandchildren, Ms. Jamela Bolden, Mrs. Christina L. (Verelle) Kirkwood, Mr. Atreldemel Davis, and Mr. Tayshon C. W. Ezell.  Great grandchildren, Yasmina C. Bolden, Josiah E. Plair, and Zahara Jean Ezell.