Erma Nelson

Erma Gray Nelson went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, after a prolonged illness.

Erma, affectionately known by many as ?Miss Erma,? was born in Newport, North Carolina, on October 2, 1929, to Blaney P. Gray and Ervie Mann Gray. Miss Erma was the youngest of eleven brothers and sisters and devoted much of her time to family and friends. She was a graduate of Newport High School and was a life-long member of Newport Church of Christ where she was active in the church community. Miss Erma was an early supporter of the Newport Pig Cookin? Contest and served that event in various capacities. In her forty year service as a secretary at Howard Construction Company she was a stranger to none in the Newport community. A favorite pastime of hers was the telling of stories involving legendary Newport characters.

Miss Erma was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Sherry Stanaland Wells. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 43 years, Harold Nelson. She is also survived by four children: Melody Keirns of Marion, Ohio; William W. Stanaland, III, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Desra Stehle of Mansfield, Ohio; and Terence B. Stanaland of Greensboro, North Carolina. Miss Erma will be greatly missed by many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other members of her large family.

Although Heaven has gained another Angel, the Town of Newport has lost a beloved member of the community and her family will miss her steadfast love and devotion.

The family will receive friends at Munden Funeral Home, 2112 Arendell St., Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, on Saturday, July 24, from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, July 25, at 2:00pm at Munden Funeral Home with the Reverends James Clark and Eric Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery.