Erma Lee Edwards

Erma  Lee Edwards, Exeter, Ca

Erma Lee Edwards, a strong confidant loving mother and long-time friendly face in Exeter, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. She lost a battle with cancer that she fought on her own terms. She was born in Houston, MO on October 15, 1939, she was 81.

Erma was the daughter of Wrietha and Buck Upton, both deceased; the family moved to the Central Valley when she was 7. She was a graduate of Exeter Union High School. As a young woman she was a popular waitress at Carl’s Diner and later became a much-loved checker at Nickel’s Payless grocery store until retirement. She loved helping people in need, and was a strong, powerful, determined single mom in an age where women like her weren’t given the same breaks as single men.

Erma loved her Nickel’s Payless customers, her family, a well-kept yard, old John Wayne movies, Elvis, the Mills Brothers, traveling with companions, cookbooks, and later in life (surprisingly to her family), boxer (dogs) as pets.

Erma was baptized at 8 years old in the Exeter Church of the Nazarene and more recently in the bathtub of her long-time Exeter home.

Survivors include her children: Scott (and Truanna) Nickel of Topeka, KS, Lonna (and Rowdy) Lewis of Visalia, and Leighann (and Scott) Lee of Colorado Springs, CO. Her sister is Carolyn (and Carol) Rainwater of Clovis. Grandchildren include Aaron Nickel, Jonathan Nickel, Kelsey Nickel, Rusty Lewis, Justin (and Kelsey) Kane, and 2 great-grandchildren, Nolan and Amelia.

Instead of flowers, Erma would appreciate memorials go to The Exeter Church of the Nazarene. Service time and dates are pending.

Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter, CA

Online Condolences: www.smithfamilychapel.com

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