Erma James Womble

Erma James Womble passed away on June 17, 2026, in Cary, North Carolina, at the age of 97. She was born on December 27, 1928, in Sebastian, Florida, to Roy and Maggie Mae James.

Growing up in the small citrus and fishing community of Sebastian taught Erma the values of self-reliance, adventure, and resilience. She often shared stories of fishing on the Indian River with her sisters, selling her catch at the local fish market, raising pet baby alligators, and driving tractors at an early age. During World War II, she served as a volunteer aircraft and submarine spotter along the Florida coast. She also worked during the summer at the post office preparing mail for the afternoon "mail-on-the-fly" train pickup system.

Erma graduated as valedictorian of Vero Beach High School in 1946 and earned her degree from Florida State University in 1950. Following college, she taught high school business courses in Sebring and Daytona Beach, Florida. While attending summer school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she met her future husband, Fletcher Womble, over ice cream in Lenoir Hall cafeteria. They married on December 27, 1953, and lived in Columbia, South Carolina, while Fletcher completed his military service.

They later moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina, which became their home for more than five decades. There they raised their three children, were devoted members of Hay Street United Methodist Church, formed many lifelong friendships, and worked in the Fayetteville City Schools. Erma first taught business education and later worked with homebound students. Her positive outlook, and her ability to motivate and encourage students to achieve, excel, and overcome obstacles were a great part of her gift to her students. Erma was immensely supportive of her husband's dedication to his career in the Fayetteville City Schools as he taught, worked, and attended UNC-CH for advanced degrees to eventually serve as school superintendent. She was a loving and involved mother whose encouragement, guidance, and support greatly helped her children grow, thrive, develop their faith, and pursue their accomplishments. Erma and Fletcher both deeply cherished their family, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends, and were always interested in, and deeply cared about their lives.

Erma's love of the outdoors and travel led the family on many adventurous camping and automobile trips throughout the United States and Canada. They especially enjoyed exploring America's national parks, even driving to Alaska twice. At age 97, she could still recall interstate highways, small towns, and scenic attractions across the continent with remarkable detail.

In 2012, Erma and Fletcher moved to Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, North Carolina. They treasured the friendships they formed there and at First Cary United Methodist Church. The family is especially grateful for the loving care, friendship, and attention provided by the staff and residents of Glenaire East House, who helped create many meaningful moments during her final years.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Aileen Skinner and Mary Lou Brown; and her husband, Fletcher Womble.

Erma is survived by her children, Betty Michal (Rich), Sue Milwee (Steve), and James Womble (Amy); eight grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

A service celebrating Erma's life will be held at Glenaire Retirement Community on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Cary United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina, or to a charity of one's choice.