Beech Tree News Network

Erma Lea Shirley Lathum, age 98 of Morgantown, KY passed away Friday, the 17th day of November, 2023 at the Morgantown Care and Rehab in Morgantown, KY. Erma was born Friday, the 4th day of September, 1925 in Batesville, AR to the union of the late Alph and Erma Mae Bearden Lathum. Erma worked for a Doctor as a teenager, then met her husband, Austin Lathum. She then moved to Ypsilanti, MI and worked for a Dime Store. Erma lost her eyesight in her 20's. She had no children, just her nieces and nephews. She was of the Baptist faith and knew the Bible and could tell you all about it. Erma loved God, her family, friends and everyone and would give them a big hug. She loved playing piano and did in her final days. Erma moved to KY during covid in 2020. Other than her parents, Erma is preceded in death by her husband, Austin Lathum, two brothers, Charles and Robert Shirley, one niece, Cindy Shirley Green, three nephews; Alan, Mike and Danny Shirley, one great-nephew, Josh Story, one great-niece, Christine Stewart and one great-great-niece, Willa Moore.

Erma is survived by one brother, David Joel Shirley of GA, three nephews; Blaine Shirley (Merridith) of GA, Terry Shirley of MI and Mark Payne of MI, five nieces; Kim Shirley White (Randall) of AL, Linda Shirley of MI, Connie Gillespie of MI, Katherine McWilliams of AL and Gloria Boyd (Donald) of KY.

Burial will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, AR, where Erma will be laid to rest by her husband and other family. Arrangements are in the care of the Jones Funeral Chapel. Please share any photos, memories, condolences or light a candle in memory of Erma at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com. The Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Erma Lea Shirley Lathum.