Erma Lee Cashaw

January 12, 1922 - September 11, 2010

Erma Lee Cashaw (Smith)was born on January 12, 1922 in Houston, Texas to a proud mother Robie Bell and was surrounded in childhood by a host of adoring aunts, twin uncles and cousins. She was the first grandchild in the family. She fell asleep in death on September 11, 2010. Erma loved her childhood and adored learning and especially reading. She attended Black Shire Elementary School and graduated from Jackie Yeats High School. Having a love for fashion and being a practical young woman, she took tailoring at the local college. With a passion for reading and adventure, she decided to join the Army and see the world. As an African American Woman in the W.A.C. (Women's Army Corps) she worked in the mailroom, delivering much needed comfort to the soldiers. She traveled to France and England and always loved to entertain family and friends with her stories of being over seas. Upon returning to the United States, Erma met and married Daniel D. Cashaw Jr. to whom they would welcome five children into their new lives and began her new role as wife and mother in Los Angeles, California. One of Erma's passions was her family and she loved each child and grandchild dearly. In July 1995 Erma was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and always exclaimed that it was the best day of her life. She began her ministry at the West Oakland Kingdom Hall and spent her last two years with the Laurel Congregation. She loved Jehovah God and Jesus and could be found by her family at 7:00am reading her bible, especially Psalms 38. Erma possessed certain gifts; special mightiness as evidenced by her 88 years of life, and a kind loving nature that has become rare in this world. She has been called by people of differing backgrounds: Mama, Grandma, "Houston", Sweet, Cute and Special. She will be sorely missed. Erma leaves to mourn her passing (4) children, Charmaine Cashaw, Connie Cashaw, Cynthia Cashaw and Cedric Cashaw; (5) grandchildren, LaVera Wilson, Tawnie Pearson, Latasha Marshall, Louis Ramos, and Merces Hills; (8) great-grandchildren and a host of friends and other relatives. FACTS Place of Death: Kaiser Hospital, Oakland Occupation: Homemaker Hobbies: Reading