Mrs. Erma Jean Oatis, age 67, died June 11, 2015, at her home in Lawrence County. Services for Mrs. Oatis were held on June 20, at the Pleasant Grove MB Church in Silver Creek, with interim Pastor Eskria Rhodes and Rev. Kenneth Hill officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Laird Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Oatis was the daughter of the late Clarence Johnson and the late Queen Ester Smith Johnson of Jackson. At an early age she joined the Pleasant Grove Church and remained a faithful member until her health failed. Mrs. Oatis served her Lord and Church as president of the usher board, Sunday school teacher, and as a member of the Home Mission.

Mrs. Oatis married Johnny C. Oatis of the Pleasant Grove community of Lawrence County, and to this union one son was added. In addition to being an outstanding wife and mother, Mrs. Oatis worked as a seamstress at New Hebron Garment Factory, Kellwood Manufacturing, and as an aid at Heritage Manor, but her passion was to work as an usher at many functions and various events.

Mrs. Oatis’ survivors include her husband, Johnny C. Oatis of Silver Creek; one son, Glenn E. (Bobbie) Johnson of Jackson; three grandsons; one granddaughter; two aunts; four brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.