MENA — Erma Lorene (Davis) Lynn,
age 79, of Mena passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022. Erma was born December 21, 1942, in Black Fork, Ark., the fourth of six children to Charlie and Lillian (Campbell) Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bennie Davis and Leonard Davis; and her sisters, Eloise (Davis) Stobaugh and Charlene (Davis) Harris. Erma is survived by her loving and devoted husband of almost 57 years, James H. Lynn of Mena; her daughter, Jaree (Lynn) Fisher and husband, Harold, of Greenbrier, Ark.; her son, Voyt Lynn and wife, Becky, of Douglass, Kan.; her sister, Marie (Davis) Hill and husband, Charles, of Garland, Texas; six grandchildren, James and Lillian Fisher and Sarah, Hannah, Micah, and Eliyah Lynn; several nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.
Erma was a 1961 graduate of Acorn High School and, pursuing her desire to teach mathematics, earned both Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Education degrees from Henderson State University. Her teaching career began in Kirby, Ark., in 1964, where she met the future love of her life, James H. Lynn, another young teacher just beginning his career. Erma and James were married November 4, 1965, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Kirby. They moved to Mena in 1968, where both had accepted teaching positions in the Mena Public Schools. In 1983, Erma and James were selected as members of the original faculty of Rich Mountain Community College, where she served as instructor of mathematics until her retirement in 2004. Erma was passionate about teaching mathematics, and she cared deeply for the education and wellbeing of her students. Over the decades of her teaching career, she loved and was loved by the students, faculty, staff, and administration with whom she worked, and she served as an inspiration for many.
Erma was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith was reflected through her servant’s heart. She was a selfless and compassionate person who delighted in giving generously of her time and resources to others. For 19 years she lovingly served as a caregiver to multiple aging family members.
Erma loved nothing more than being with her family. She would spend hours loving, entertaining, educating, and spoiling her six grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Even in the latter stages of her struggle with Alzheimer’s, she would look at her grandchildren and rejoice! Erma also loved travelling, spending time outdoors, quilting and embroidery, and conducting genealogical research. She very much enjoyed active participation with Christ Community Fellowship, Delta Kappa Gamma, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Polk County Genealogical Society.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 4 from 6-8 p.m., at Beasley Wood Chapel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 5 at 2 p.m., at Beasley Wood Chapel, followed by interment at the Gann Cemetery, Polk County Road 170 in Potter, Ark., with Bro. Voyt Lynn officiating. Pallbearers will be Harold Fisher, James Fisher, Rick Davis, Chris Gann, Danny Miller, and Steve Phillips. Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Foundation.