Erma Lee Foster was born November 11,1935 in Cushing, Oklahoma to parents Eva Edna Reed and John Henry Reed. After a battle with illness and at the age of 86, Erma fell asleep peacefully on December 21 at her home in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents Eva and John Reed, brothers Theodore Reed, LC Reed, Orville Reed; Sister Idell Reed; Son William Lee Foster, Jr., Daughter Marva Sue Jackson; Grandson Jamel Siraj Foster. She is survived by her loving children Joseph Michael Foster of Manhattan, New York, William Lyndon (Deborah) Foster of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Richard Alphonso (Cleo) Foster, Laurelton, New York, Scott Kendall (Farrah) Foster, Far Rockaway, New York, Margaret Gayenell (Orin) Noel, Jonesboro, Georgia. Sister Elsie Lights Houston Texas, Brother Bobby Reed (Vergi) Reed, Texas along with her beloved fifteen grandchildren and Nine great grandchildren. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Erma was the sixth of seven children born to the Reed family who eventually relocated to Enid Oklahoma where she attended Booker T. Washington School. It was there that she discovered her love of learning and her gift for singing. Erma worked hard to improve her skills and to do her best. Whether it was reading a poem, participating in a spelling bee at school, or singing in church she took advantage of every opportunity to share her gifts

Instead of pursuing a career in music, life presented Erma with a special gift, the birth of her first love, her first child Marva Sue. Then on November 20,1953 she married William Lee Foster who was enlisted in the United States Air Force. The Foster's relocated to Texas and Louisiana, finally settling in New York. From this union came six more children.

Erma met friends from the local kingdom hall in Enid. With the loving support and encouragement of Elizabeth Hicks and Marva Murray, she was baptized August 2, 2008.

Throughout her life, Erma worked in many different fields including suit & dress making, upholstery and interior design. Erma also studied nursing at Long Island University in New York.