Bertha Erma Lee (Cockrum) Conner

Bertha Erma Lee Conner, 95 went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2020. She passed away at Franklin Hospital with her daughter Katie and husband Jerrel by her side.

Erma Lee was born on April 14, 1925 in Sesser, IL. to Lemuel and Bertha (Rick) Cockrum. She married Wesley V. Conner on July 19, 1942. He passed away on March 23, 2011. They have one surviving daughter, Katie (Jerrel) Dungy of Benton, Il.

Erma Lee was saved at 12 years old and was baptized in the pond behind their house in rural Sesser Illinois. Until her passing she was the oldest member of Rescue Freewill Baptist Church. She was Sunday school clerk for many years and part of those years she and her sister in law, Venita Kern were church custodians. She also was the church pianist for several years. She was best known for her chicken and dumplings.

Erma Lee is survived by her daughter Katie (Jerrel) Dungy, 7 grandchildren, Karen Miller, Rhea Eva (Joey) Hutchcraft, Matt (Andrea) Dungy, Eric (Kelly) Kirk, Tom (Kim) Kirk, Erin (Jason) Bennett, and Molly (Jeff) Minor. 12 great grandchildren, Brandon Hess, Samuel Miller, Shelby (Matt) Anrovandi, Ben (Katlynn) Hutchcraft, Ike Hutchcraft, Liam (Kara) Kirk, Laney, Briley and Eli Kirk, Taylor Noel (Aaron Ballew), Madison Noel, Addie Dungy and 5 great great granchildren, Wesley and Noah Androvani, Oliver Ballew, Knox Minor and Bennett Kirk. One sister Mazie Hamilton and fiance Larry Overturf, and one son in law Kern Kirk. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, 2 infant sisters Nancy May and Margaret Fay, 2 daughters Ruth Kirk and Paula Tate, and great grandson Zach Dungy, 4 half brothers Edgar, Loren, and Virgil Griffin. Brothers Frank and Coy I. Cockrum, 4 sisters, Rada Reynolds, Dorothy Conner, Afton Lampley and Nellie Rosemary Smith.

Visitation will be held on Friday October 23, 2020 at Rescue Freewill Baptist Church in Whittington, Il. from 6:00-8:00 pm with funeral services on Saturday October 24, 2020 at the church at 11:00 with visitation at 10:00 until time of service. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery in Whittington.

We ask that you be considerate of others and practice social distancing. Masks are recommended, and will be made available upon request.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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