Erma Jean Henderson Winston

Erma Jean Henderson Winston was born on September 26, 1936 in Ferriday, Louisiana, to the union of the late Zell and Marguerite Hollins Henderson. The gates of heaven opened on Friday, April 24, 2020 and she entered into eternal rest to be with the Lord. Sing joyfully to the Lord, o you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Erma had a zest for learning and knew the importance of obtaining an education. She graduated from Walter L. Cohen Senior High School and Southern University at New Orleans, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Erma began her postal career in 1964 as a PTF Clerk. During her thirty years of service, she worked in many positions for the U. S. Postal Service. Throughout her tenure, Erma held the following positions: Window Service Clerk; FT Distribution Clerk; Distribution Clerk, Machines; Supervisor, Mails; Supervisor, MPLSM; General Supervisor, Mails; and Tour Superintendent. Erma also had details as Tour Coordinator, Automation Coordinator, Tour Superintendent, IEO Superintendent, LSM Coordinator Officer-in Charge, Winnsboro, LA and Supervisor, Quality Control. She was involved in postal programs such as QWL Local Joint Steering Committee, Review Board and many Affirmative Action/EEO-Women’s Program Advisory Council programs. She strongly believed the work concept of, “Whatever job you may have, you should strive to do your best, work hard, and the fruits of your labor will be rewarded”. Erma was committed to providing excellent service which resulted in her achieving an outstanding career. Erma was a true and faithful Servant of the Lord. She was committed to serving the Lord, her family and all those she loved with joy. She had a passion for working in God’s ministry. Erma worshipped at Holy Cross Lutheran Church where she became an active, life-long member. She served as Sunday School Teacher, Director of Holy Cross Summer Camp, Wednesday/Mid-week Camp Director, Youth Director, and President of LWML. Erma served in many other appointed or elected positions: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Education Program Director and so much more. Erma communicated love through action. She was an active member of the Lutheran Women Missionary League-LWML. She served as LWML President- New Orleans Zone; Vice-President- LA/MS District and as Servant Resources on the National level. Erma published LWML Leaders Guide- ‘How to Host a Servant Event.’ She also served as a delegate to local and national conventions. Her most treasured bible verse was, ”I am a Christian Servant Child of God - I will have eternal life as I rejoice in the Lord”- (Psalm 33:1). Erma truly served the Lord in gladness. Erma was a true matriarch and had deep admiration and love for her family. Throughout the generations, she instilled Christian values and always reminded her offspring, “Only what you do for the Lord will last.” Erma was united in marriage to the late Claude Winston, Sr. To their union, eight children were born. Four preceded her in death, Claude Jr./Nique, Rudolf, Christopher Winston, and one unnamed angel. Also preceding her in death were her parents, the late Zell and Marguerite Henderson, and sister, Gladys Marie Henderson. Erma leaves to cherish her memories; a son, Thomas Winston (Elizabeth); three daughters; Carole Winston, Gail Brogan (Myron), Cathy Magee (Donald); one brother, Charles Henderson (Shirley); two sisters-in-law: Patricia Carstarphen (Garrett) of Alabama and Rena Winston Williams of Georgia; grandchildren: John, Chris (Viviyana), Chantell (Immanuel), Myranique, Monique(Perryn), Wesley, Dwight, Thomika, and Thomas. 16 great-grandchildren. A host of other relatives and friends. We thank God for Erma. We cherish her memories. All who knew her were blessed to know she lived a full life of love and service. Glory, glory hallelujah! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Erma Winston Memorial Fund c/o Holy Cross Lutheran Church 6154 Press Dr. New Orleans, LA 70126. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Ave.