Sunrise: Tuesday, September 21, 1965

Sunset: June 19, 2026

Place: Ofield Funeral Home Location: 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE

When: Friday, June 26, 2026

Celebration of Life

A Time to Be Born

As Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Erma Lucretia Major Shaw entered this world on Tuesday, September 21, 1965, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the beloved daughter of the late Johnnie Clifton Berry and Connie Mae Mathis. A vibrant and spirited baby girl, Erma’s journey of self-discovery later revealed, through DNA testing in 2018, that Johnnie Berry was her biological father despite her mother’s earlier understanding.

A Time to Create a Legacy

Erma’s early education spanned numerous public schools in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Muskegon Heights, Michigan; Terre Haute, Indiana; and Memphis, Tennessee. A proud graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools in 1983, Erma furthered her academic pursuits at Grand Rapids Community College, Davenport University, and the University of Phoenix, where she earned her Master of Business Administration, graduating with honors from all three institutions.

Erma’s insatiable curiosity and sharp intellect were evident in her willingness to ask thoughtful questions and share her knowledge generously with others. She accepted Christ in 1997, becoming a member of Family Worship Center and later attending Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Kentwood Community Church, and Life Stream Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, expressed in her unwavering commitment to serve others, often proclaiming, “Who do I have the pleasure of serving?”

Professionally, Erma’s career was marked by innovation and leadership. She worked alongside her brother, Richard Major, at US Xchange and became the first African American to hold a leadership role at Kentwood Community Church. As an adjunct faculty member at her alma maters, she mentored countless students. Her journey led her to Bosom Buddies of Arizona and to roles within the Grand Rapids community, including serving as a facilitator for the Institute for Healing Racism through the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

A dedicated volunteer, Erma contributed annually to the Kent County Tax Coalition, assisting families with tax preparations. Her passion for genealogy inspired her membership in the West Valley Genealogical Society in Sun City, Arizona, where she published articles. She went to self publish and author multiple books, including Truth Tella: $7,000 Reward,including an audiobook, Love Story, and A Legacy Unfolded: The Pursuit of Truth, Justice, and Redemption.

A Time to Love

Erma deeply loved and cherished her three children—Kenyetti, Michael, and Demi. As a young single mother, she poured her heart into raising them, always striving to be a guiding light and living example of perseverance and purpose. Her love wasn’t just in words—it was in the way she encouraged them to dream, to set goals, and to reach for something greater. Erma brought joy to their lives with her spontaneous songs and her knack for noticing the little things that made each of them wonderfully unique.

When Erma became a grandmother and great grandmother, her love blossomed in even deeper, more tender ways. Her heart overflowed with joy for her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Yasir ,Sumiya, Kendal, Gavin, Demille, Demier, and Demiya, La’Milyah and Ty’monn. With them, she grew into the fullest version of herself, delighting in simple, magical moments like bike rides, hikes, trips, walks, dancing in the kitchen, reading stories, learning together, and cuddling close. She made them feel like they were the most special person in the world—because to her, they truly were.

Erma believed that the love and lessons she shared would ripple through generations. Her greatest purpose was to plant seeds of love, wisdom, and strength in her grandchildren, trusting that they would one day pass that legacy on to their own children. Through them, her beautiful spirit lives on.

Erma found the love of her life in the late Rashard “Ricky” Shaw, whom she married on September 20, 2003, one day before her birthday. Their union, officiated by the late Dr. Clifton Rhodes Jr., began at the very church where they first met. Together, they shared a life of faith, love, and mutual devotion, along with their beloved dog, Teddy.

A Time to Remember

Erma cherished her family deeply and found immense joy in genealogy, dancing, and praising the Lord. Her creativity and administrative gifts were evident in her ability to develop innovative solutions, design unique clothing, and redecorate her home. One of her most treasured memories was uncovering a photograph of her grandmother, Lillie C. Medley Mathis, hidden for over five decades. Sharing this discovery with her mother became a poignant and emotional moment, as it bridged generations and reaffirmed her love for family.

Erma’s relentless pursuit of family history led her to reconnect with relatives of her great-grandfather, Andrew Mathis, whose life and legacy she diligently documented. Her love for uniting family members and preserving their stories reflected her profound faith and belief in the power of relationships.

Erma returned to Allendale, Michigan, in August 2022 to be closer to family and friends, where she spent the remainder of her life surrounded by love and cherished memories.

A Time to Depart for Eternal Rest

Erma departed this life on June 19, 2026 with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rashard “Ricky” Shaw; her infant son; siblings: Billy Mathis, Odessa Mathis, and Richard Major, and William Freeman. Moms: Mary Freeman and God given grandmother: Clara Belle Mays Grover; and brother-in-law Victor D. Otterbridge, sister in-law Mary Figures Mathis and extended family members.

A Time to Celebrate Her Legacy

Erma leaves to honor her memory three children: Kenyetti (Mary) Major, Michael A. Foster II, Demi Major; seven grandchildren: Yasir and Sumiya Foster, Kendal, Gavin, Demille, Demier, and Demiya Jayde Lucretia Major, and two great grandchildren: La’Milyah Maurice Italy, and Ty’monn Sumaj Rashard Peters: Sisters: Kimberly Major Otterbridge of Grand Rapids, MI, Brother: Timothy(Beth) Allen of Charlotte, NC siblings, John and Kevin Freeman, Terri Battles, Helen(Asamu) Johnson, and Toni Foster all of Grand Rapids, MI. Uncle: Oscar Winston of Grand Rapids, MI, Aunts : Nora( Clarence) Sandefer of Mansfield, OH and Joan Mathis of Wyoming, MI . A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends: Jody Holman Rose of Charlotte, NC, Verdia Winfield, Carmela Martin; A special cousin: Shirley Thomas of Baltimore, MD .

Her vibrant spirit, unyielding faith, and deep love for family will forever remain a source of inspiration to all who knew her.

Funeral Services: June 26, 2026, 12PM at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamzoo Ave SE, Kentwood, Michigan 49508

Visitation: 11AM at Ofield Funeral Home

Interment: Garfield Park Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI

She entered into eternal rest on June 19, 2026.