As a self-proclaimed "country girl", throughout her life, Erma Lee was faithful in her upbringing with hard work, ethics, strong values, and faith in her God. As a young couple, she and her husband, James A. Smither, moved from the comfort of their home in Missouri, to Tulsa.  Living and working in the Cherry Street District, their growing family attended school and went to First Lutheran Church.  Erma and James, and their five children, had a stable neighborhood community to thrive in.  Erma modeled the country values she had been taught, through hard and good times.

The First Lutheran Church was a refuge for Erma. As a member, she gave her skills and talents to activities in the church.  Her beloved sewing circle was filled with love.

Erma is survived by: her sisters, Alta Kent and Carolyn Wilson; her children, Patsy A. Smither, James M. (and Dolores) Smither, Kathryn A. Smither, Jean (and Bill) Cheatham, and Jon B. Smither; grandchildren, Bret (and Kim) Worthington, Alan Worthington, Debra Worthington, Michael (and Heather) Smither, Daniel Cheatham and Neva Moore, and Mitchell (and Tracey) Cheatham; great-grandchildren, Courtnie Worthington, Cassie Worthington, Jesse Worthington, Britney Worthington, Colten Worthington, and an expected baby girl Cheatham.

She was predeceased by: her husband, James; siblings, Louise Estes, William Belcher, Anna Dykes and Robert Belcher; granddaughter, Carrie A. Smither; and great-grandson, Harrison Black.

Erma Lee was the essence of home and family. 101 years of life held so many memories, and her legacy of love lives on through her family. Her beauty was breathtaking; her laugh and giggle were infectious.  She had strength and wisdom which she shared.  Her unwrinkled face was always happy, strong, constant and genuine. To have known Erma Lee, was to have experienced true love.  She was so much more than a "country girl".

Visitation will be Monday, 5 pm until 7:30 pm, at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 14th and South Boulder Avenue. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, 10:30 am, at First Lutheran Church, 1244 South Utica Avenue. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151. www.fitzgeraldivychapel.com