On April 8, 1944, Erma Louise Darby was born to Fred Darby and Laura Davenport Darby in Houston, Texas. She was the oldest of five (5) children and was raised by her loving parents to be a strong, God-fearing woman.

Erma Darby attended and graduated from Kashmere High School, where she met the love of her life, Edward Johnson, Sr. After graduation, she began working in the Humble Building, which was then the tallest building in Downtown Houston.

On May 11, 1963, Edward Johnson, Sr. made Erma Darby his beloved wife on the doorstep of her parents' home on Wayne Street. They soon had their only son, Edward Johnson, Jr., followed by two daughters, Sheritta and LaTanya.

In 1965/1966, while shopping in Pacini Superette, Edward Johnson, Sr. was approached by his previous employer, Owner Mr. Nat Pacini Superette, asking if his lovely wife could work for him. After accepting the offer to be a cashier, she worked hard to learn her job and was immediately noticed as being careful and vigilant. She soon became the head cashier of the courtesy booth and was trusted beyond measure. Later, Pacini Superette was bought out by Weingarten, who made several name changes. After working for Weingarten, Safeway, Appletree, and Randalls, she finally decided to retire to spend more time with her husband, who was already retired.

Erma Johnson gave her life to God at an early age and attended Progressive Mt. Herman Baptist Church. After being married and moving to the north side, she attended and served as an Usher at Leedale Baptist Church; later becoming President of the Usher Board at Riverwood Baptist Church and again at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. Continuing her servant spirit, she relocated her membership to Christ Worship Center in 2005, under the leadership of her only son, Bishop Ed Johnson, Jr., where she enjoyed hearing her baby preach the word of God. Erma Johnson remained a faithful Usher until retiring after her health began declining.

During her lifetime, Erma Darby Johnson loved her hobbies, which included crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting and making ceramics among other arts and crafts. Retirement afforded her to do more than ever!

Erma Darby Johnson departed this life on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, James Darby. Left to cherish her memory is: her loving husband, Edward Sr. (Big Ed); son and daughter-in-love, Bishop Edward Jr. and Marilyn Johnson; daughters, Sheritta and LaTanya; three loving sisters, Mary (Tyrone), Cathy and Eloise; one brother-in-law, Benjamin (Lois "Jean"); one sister-in-law, Mary Ann; one Aunt, Addie Parker, nine grandchildren (Chas, Ebony, Mahogany, Jeremy, Christal, Edward III, De'Veon, Kyle and Denniski Jr.); four great-grandchildren, (Elijah, Emiyah, Jaide and Edwin Jr.); along with a host of nieces, nephews, bonus children, cousins and friend