Erma Yoder Lehman died in her home surrounded by family the morning of Thursday, April 1, 2021. She was 91.

Erma was born July 28, 1929, in Newport News, Virginia, to Harvey and Alta (Kennel) Yoder. She married Paul Lehman of Harrisonburg, Virginia, on June 25, 1949. Together they were involved in raising their young family, in their growing church on Huntington Avenue, and as owners of a Christian bookstore in downtown Newport News. From 1964 to 1973 she and Paul served as dorm parents at Good Shepherd School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They returned to Africa in 1980, as host couple at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi, Kenya and stayed until 1991. Fulfilling a dream of Erma's, she and Paul bought a house overlooking the Warwick River and lived there in active retirement for almost 30 years.

Erma had a gift for connecting with people, and is remembered as a caring and supportive listener. She was a person of prayer and devotion to God. Her dorm boys were precious to her and to this day there are many who consider 'Mrs. Lehman' a special mom. Her gift of hospitality was well-known and more than anything, she loved a table full of people in her home sharing a meal together.

Erma is survived by her children, Wayne (Sheryl) Lehman and Lois "Lewi" (Clayton) Blosser; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Sarah Marie Weaver and Twila Brunk. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, as well as two brothers, John David and Chris. Her husband Paul died in December 2020. They were married 71 years.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Warwick River Mennonite Cemetery.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.