Erma J. Smallwood

Erma J. Smallwood, age 92, of Monmouth, Illinois passed away at Monmouth Nursing Home on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 surrounded by her family. Erma, the daughter of Halsey E. and Mary Rosina Stults Norris, was born on May 31, 1927 in Peoria, Illinois, where she spent her early years. Erma was raised in Monmouth, where she attended Garfield and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1945. She studied Applied Arts at Iowa State University in Ames for two years and graduated from Monmouth College in 1949. Erma married Billy D. Smallwood on July 3, 1950 and he preceded her in his death on April 29, 2018. She taught second grade at Central in Monmouth until she started her family. In the 70's she earned her MA at Western Illinois University to teach Special Education. She taught adult education at Achievement Industries. Erma owned and managed Norris Deer Crest Farms in Henderson County. She was a baptized and active member of First Christian Church and later joined Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth. She was an Elder and member of Thai Circle. She was a member and officer of AAUW. Erma was an active member of Crimson Clan, a Monmouth College alumni organization. Her life centered on her family. Favorite memories include annual summer camping trips and Sunday afternoons at the Norris Lake. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her joy and she was blessed to see many of them in the last weeks of her life. She and Bill enjoyed many kinds of travel. They often took in theatre, hiked extensively and sought out Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. They especially enjoyed worldwide travel. Erma is survived by her children Mary Ann (David) Armstrong of Chicago, Illinois, John (Terry) Smallwood of Monmouth, and Susan (Terry) Schilson of Boone, North Carolina. She has ten grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 67 years. 

Friends may call at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth on Friday February 21st, the day prior to her service. Her family plans visitation at Faith United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth on Saturday February 22, 2020 and will receive their friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to her funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery of Monmouth, IL.  A memorial fund is being established for either Faith United Presbyterian Church or the Monmouth Nursing Home. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com 

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