Erna Leonora (Lea) King passed away July 22, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri. Erna Lea was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Thomas Davis Perry, Sr. and Erna Estelle Sutton Perry on May 20, 1941. She attended Van Buren High School, Three Rivers Community College, Missouri State University and St. John’s School of Nursing. She retired from St. John’s Health Services and was working as a substitute nurse for Springfield Public Schools. Erna Lea was a member of Golden Harvest Baptist Church where she was actively involved in the children’s ministry.
Erna Lea was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Davis and Erna Estelle. She is survived by her brother, Thomas Davis Perry, Jr. of Licking, Missouri; three daughters, Angie Harrell, Debbie Baker and Jamie Calloway all of Springfield, Missouri; five granddaughters, Jessica Pearson, Lauren Hiser, Hannah Baker, Aubrey Baker and Zoe Calloway; and two great- grandchildren, Dylan Pearson and Cyrus Pearson, who all loved her dearly. She was looking forward to welcoming her third great-grandchild in November.
Erna Lea was active in all areas of her life. She loved her family, her pets, her church and Jesus. She enjoyed many hobbies, including oil painting, photography, crocheting, sewing, cooking and gardening. She was an avid reader with an extensive book collection and enjoyed a lifelong spiritual journey. Her positive outlook on life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a faithful friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Erna Lea devoted herself to the children in her life – at school, at church and in her family. Organ donation was important to Erna Lea and she has given the gift of sight.
A remembrance and celebration of Erna Lea’s life will be held Saturday, August 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at McSpadden Funeral Home in her hometown, Van Buren, Missouri. A memorial service will also be held at Golden Harvest Baptist Church, 4327 W. Chestnut Expressway in Springfield Missouri, Saturday, August 10th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Humane Society.
“Heaven has gained a mighty angel.” ~ Jessica Pearson, granddaughter
Arrangements are under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East.