Erma Denise Miller

Erma Denise Miller was born on November 9, 1954 in Moro, Arkansas to Percy Miller and Ceola Searcy-Miller.

Erma was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ into her life as her personal Savior. While living in Brinkley, she worshipped at St. Paul Church under the leadership of Rev. William L. Word. While residing in Central Arkansas, she was a member of Rock of Ages M.B. Church in Little Rock, under the leadership of Pastor James E. Mackey, where she also served on the Usher Board. Erma was strongly rooted in her faith, whether it was through her service, her love for gospel music, or simply her personal praise.

Erma received her formal education in the Marion Anderson/Brinkley Public School System. She was a 1973 graduate of Brinkley High School. After graduating, Erma sought to further her education. She went to various colleges, expanding her mental horizons at each one. While attending college, she became a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, truly living up to its phrase “Finer Womanhood…” She ultimately fulfilled her undergraduate studies at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Education from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.

Erma began her career as an educator in Brinkley, Arkansas as a teacher at Partee Elementary School, where she would serve for several years. She then moved on to Anna Strong Elementary in Marianna, Arkansas, teaching there a while before finally moving to her new home in the Little Rock School District, where she would teach for 30 plus years, earning her “Teacher of the Year” twice while at Dunbar Middle School. She took great pride in her work and she devoted herself to each and every student that crossed her path. She was one of the most devoted literacy coaches around. Her passion for education showed through her work.

Erma was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Rory Dawkins of Arkadelphia, Arkansas on August 16, 2016. The two remained wed until Erma’s passing.

Erma was a woman that was so full of life, and would light up any room she entered. She loved singing, cooking, dancing, blues music, and spending time with her beautiful family. She was big on celebrating others, even if they didn’t feel worthy enough themselves. Erma was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. She loved various shows on television, including Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Blue Bloods. Erma was an advocate for literacy, and she was an avid reader. She especially loved literature from Pastor T.D. Jakes and Tony Morrison, amongst other authors.

God dispatched his Angels to CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 17, 2022 to bring home his faithful servant, Erma D. Miller. Awaiting her arrival to the Gates of Heaven were her parents, Percy and Ceola Miller, and her sister Pearline Miller.

Remaining to relish Erma’s beautiful memories are her husband, Mr. Rory Dawkins of Arkadelphia, AR, her son Andre (Tameika) King of Maumelle, AR, her daughter Yolanda Miller of Ft. Smith, AR, her grandchildren Jalen Miller, Darian King, Andre’a King, Jackson King, Jasimeon Miller, Stanton Henderson, and Micah King, and a host of family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday September 23, 2022 from 5pm - 7pm at Branscumb Funeral Home in Brinkley. Funeral will take place on Saturday September 24, 2022 at 11 am, at Mt. of Olives Ministries in Brinkley. Burial will take place at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Wheatley. Services handled by Branscumb, Johnson, & Gilchrest Funeral Home of Brinkley. "The assurance of respect, and the commitment of service..." (870) 734-2772.