Erma Lee King James was born on August 3, 1933. She and her twin, Verma were the children of Tom C. and Carrie King. Erma was reared and raised in Marlin,Texas. She attended the schools there, and graduated from Booker T Washington High School in 1951.

She began her career as a cosmetologist with Margaret Carol Hair Salon. Erma furthered her career with Texas Instruments in Richardson,Texas for 25 years until her retirement in August 1990. Her servitude was extended through her civic duty as a poll worker in her community for several years. Her commitment to voter's rights and fairness was important and was passed on to her family and friends. She was a pillar of her community and organized a Neighborhood Watch along with her husband, Clarence.

Erma was a loving free spirit and she captured the eye of a young beau, Clarence, at The Breezeway as they danced to "Green Onions." They were married on April 12, 1965 and one beautiful daughter was born to this union. They spent the next 57 years blending their families and making memories. Noble, as she was affectionately called by her family, adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. There wasn't very much they couldn't have from her. She LOVED fashion and was known for her "church hats."

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. Her love for God was demonstrated in her membership at the Living Testimony Baptist Church for over 30 years where she was an active member of the Usher Board. She later united with Divine Inspiration Missionary Baptist Church and was a faithful member until her health began to fail.

In the presence of her beloved husband and daughter, Erma peacefully entered eternal rest on September 27, 2022. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings: Ella Maxwell, Carena Harkey, Verma Bell, Dollye Jackson, Tommie King, James King, Hiram King and Wilbur King; her children, James Oliver Epps and Connie King.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Clarence James; daughter, Tamica James (Anthony); grandchildren: Trakell, Tameka (Jai), Courtney (Debra), Kendra, Brice, Dietrich, Kenneth, and Jaiden; seven great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Margie Epps; sisters, Helen Young and Cassie Nolan; brother, Forrest King (Marie); sister-in-law, Geraldine Washington(George); god-daughter, Bernadine Franklin; her best friends, Willie Brooks,Flora Miller, and Bobbie Jean Miller; and a host of other family and friends.