Erma Moore Slye, 91 on January 3, 2021 went home to the place Jesus Christ prepared for her. Born in Allais, Kentucky to Irvin (a coal miner) and Flossie Moore (a homemaker), she was raised in Hazard, Kentucky along wit her five brothers (Vernon, Gene, Ralph, William & Don) all deceased and a sister Faye.

At the age of 16, Erma moved to Newport News to help care for a cousin's baby for the summer. She never left. Entering Morrison High School (now Warwick High), she graduated in 1948. During her high school years Erma had a blind date with Melvin Slye. After that one date to a dance, Melvin made it his mission to "marry that girl." They married on August 25, 1950. They settled in Newport News and began to raise a family.

Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Slye and is survived by one son, Donald M Slye (Daryl) of Appleton Wisconsin, two daughters; Diane S Legg (Billy) of Newport News, and Patricia L Napoleon (Jay) of Williamsburg, seven grandchildren; Rebecca Slye, Brian Gillespie, Joshua Legg, Jimmy Slye, Stephen Legg, Jessica Cunningham, and Meredith Napoleon, eight great-grand children; Tanner Gillespie, Noah Legg, Lauren Gillespie, Theo Slye, Josslyn Legg, Marshall Slye, Landon Gillespie and Garrett Legg, a sister, Faye Napier of Keller Texas, and brother and sister in law, Earl and Patsy Slye, many other family members and life long friends.

Our Mama was a homemaker. She was the CEO of our home. Warm and inviting to all of our friends, we often found ourselves around the kitchen table playing games, laughing and eating Mom's famous Chex Mix. There was always something that smelled good coming out of her kitchen. An avid bridge player, often winning "high" she loved her "Bridge Girls" and "Bridge Ladies."

Our Mom's life centered on family, friends, and her church, First Baptist Church of Newport News. She was a member of the King's Daughters Sunday School Class. She loved cultivating flowers and plants. Erma was civic minded as well. She was a member of the Junior Women's Club of Hilton and the Woman's Club of Newport News. For many years Erma enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to people throughout the city. She often said, "What could be better than an encouraging word, a smile and a warm meal?"

We experienced the "long goodbye" with our mother as she was diagnosed with vascular dementia. A ten-year journey of decreasing mental ability, yet she never lost her love for life and people. Kind, sweet, and gentle would best describe her daily walk with this disease. She never lost her sense of humor. Even in a diminished mental state our mother clung to her love of great hymns. Singing and having them sung to her brought her closer to her love of Jesus. Our mother's passing has left an immense void in all of our lives, but we won't live as those who have no hope, for we believe that we will see her again one day.

Our family would like to acknowledge the Piedmont Memory Care Unit of the Gardens at Warwick Forest (Riverside Health System) for their devotion, skilled care and love that our mother received for the past four years. Our journey through dementia would not have been as smooth if it was not for Brea Proletti, Nurse Manager, and her entire staff.

There will be a funeral service on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Liberty Baptist Church Chapel, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666 at 12:30 PM followed by a visitation at 1:30 PM. Burial will be private. COVID-19 restrictions are being followed and masks and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in her honor.