Erma Lee Ailsworth

Obituary

Erma (Arma) Lee Alberty entered this world on August 2, 1947, in Hanford CA. She was the twelfth of 16 children born to Vonnie Ree and Emma D Alberty. Arma had 8 brothers and & 7 sisters. She grew up with her siblings and parents in Riverdale CA, and attended Lemoore High School.

Sister Arma attended Calvary Church of God In Christ, which was presided over by Superintendent Oratio Smith until his death earlier this year. Sister Arma remained a faithful member of Calvary Church of God In Christ until her death.

While attending the church Sister Arma was assigned many roles. She was Assistant Junior Aide, Assistant YPWW Teacher, President of the Sick Committee, President of Bible Band, Senior Choir Announcer, Senior Choir Chaplain, President of the Pastor Aide Commission Fund, and Kitchen Assistant. Although she loved all of her roles within the church, the role she cherished the most was Sunday School Teacher. She was a Sunday School Teacher of Class #3, the teenage class, for decades. She taught a large number of patrons including her nieces, nephews, and even her own children.

When you think of the term “Prayer Warrior” you think of Sister Arma. She had a way of praying for you and you could just feel God working through her.

Sister Arma always had a way with words. She was quite the jokester. She used that humor to put on some of the best Holiday plays at Calvary Church of God In Christ. Her helping others didn’t stop at helping them to smile. Arma also loved helping people in need. Arma was known to take in people (strangers), that she thought needed her help. Even at her children’s dismay and concern for her wellbeing she continued. With all of the people she took in, she was never harmed. She always said that she was doing God’s work and God would always protect her, and he did.

Sister Arma also worked as a home health aide. It was at this job that Sister Arma suffered an injury that led to surgery which caused her early retirement. To continue helping others, she became a foster parent in the early 90’s and fostered over 30 children throughout her life. Sister Arma always tried to provide a loving and nurturing home for both her foster and biological children.

After God, foremost in Sister Arma’s life was her devotion to her family. Not just those born unto her, but friends she adopted as family. She so lovingly acquired the name “Grandma” by many that knew and loved her. She really loved this. She loved giving of herself, and that’s all of herself. She embodied the saying, “give you the shirt of her back” because she truly would. Sister Arma was never a rich woman but with Gods help she was able to care for many.

Sister Arma was preceded in death by her mother and father, 5 of her sisters, 7 of her brothers, and her grandson Lawrence James Junior of Memphis. She is survived by her grandson Brenden McKinney. Her first born Regina Williams, and her 4 children; Her second born, Phillip Watts and his 2 daughters. Her third born, Lawrence James and his 6 surviving children. Her youngest, La Shanda Furtado and her husband John Furtado and their 4 children. For a total of 16 grandchildren and 9 GREAT grandchildren. Also her 2 Sisters’, Helen Goodin and; her brother Robert Alberty, her Godsons’ Terrel Keel and Raiden Ramirez, her Goddaughter Kimora Bedford, longtime friend Larry Dodson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She will be missed but never forgotten