Erma Colleen Ludwick McLeroy

(TO KNOW HER WAS TO LOVE HER)

Born September 5, 1935 In Austin, Texas

Went to her Lord April 20, 2021 in Cypress Texas

Erma was born on September 5, 1935 in Austin, Texas to Ima Mae Ludwick and Joe Ludwick, both deceased. Erma was one of 5 children including Jackie Ludwick, Billie Robeson, Dolly Murphey, Sonny Ludwick and Gayle "Hope" Sachtleben.  Erma met the "love of her life" William Brian McLeroy at the youthful age of 15, and were later married on March 28, 1953, a marriage that covered 42 years until Brian's passing on August 5, 1995. Their marriage was truly a generational union that was admired by everyone they knew.  Erma is survived by her 3 children, William Brian "Mac" McLeroy (retired Firefighter) and his wife Kathy, Vickie Lynn Peacock (retired School Teacher) and Dorsey Wayne McLeroy (CPA) and his wife Susan, 3 Grandchildren, sister Gayle Sachtleben, 2 sister-in-law's Billie Martin and Laverne Ludwick along with numerous nephews and nieces.  Erma graduated from San Jacinto High School and still to this date receives the school's newspaper and follows past classmates.

Erma's children and grandchildren were a GREAT SOURCE OF PRIDE that she gladfully boasted about to anyone that would listen.  Erma was known to all as "BOSS" and to her family and grandchildren as "BOSS GRANDMA", a nickname that given to her by Grandson Christopher Peacock.  The joy and love of Boss's life was her 3 children and later her 3 grandchildren, Christopher Warren Peacock-graduate of Texas A&M University, Amanda Rene McLeroy-graduate of Sam Houston State University and Tyler Brian McLeroy-currently attending Bridgewater State University in Boston Massachusetts.  Boss's dream and reality was that all 3 grandchildren would graduate from college and saw 2 of the 3 accomplish their goal and the 3 ^rd is a Junior with one year left. Every second she got to spend with her grandkids was a blessing to her.  Erma was a sports fanatic and loved watching their activities like Christopher's baseball games, Amanda's Softball Games and Tyler's youth and collegiate hockey games.

In 2004, Boss received an overwhelming gift from God as she was reconnected with her wonderful baby sister Gayle "HOPE" Sachtleben who had been adopted at an early age of 2.  Not a day passed that Boss didn't think and look for HOPE, never giving up the dream of one day finding her.  After 55 years, God made that dream come true!  Erma and Hope were reunited and a cherished sisterhood was rekindled.

Brian and Erma, along with brother-in-law Milton(deceased) and sweet, sweet sister-in-law Billie Martin we're not only relatives but even closer friends.   In the later years, Erma enjoyed her regular Thursday trips to visit Billie, bring her food and to play Bingo with the residents.  She never won anything from these Bingo games as even when she got a Bingo, she wouldn't yell so that some else could win, that was Erma.

Christmas was her favorite holiday and not one passed without the playing of the Little Drummer Boy!  Erma rejoiced the birth of her savior Jesus Christ, and loved so much giving gifts to her kids and grandkids.  The fellowship and games that followed at nephew Tommy and Norma Scarborough's house was always a favorite way to end the special day.

Erma worked and retired from Rayco Automotive and Gene Bagley, Co. for many years making incredible friendships that lasted until today. Erma helped husband Brian study for Firefighter promotional exams by recording tapes and writing cards…she probably could've passed the tests herself.  The Houston Fire Department has always been a source of pride and happiness allowing Brian and Erma to create priceless friendships.

Erma's early years with Brian were spent at the local skating rinks, dances, and later in the bowling alleys winning many, many trophies.  Brian and Erma loved each and every one of their friends with some friendships lasting up to 75 years.  The time spent with the friends and families were so important to the family. There were so many laughs and great times shared with all of their friends like the Dillard's, Dailey's, Talbot's, Florence's, Henley's, Mixson's, Mehr's, Cross's, Williamson's, Russell's, Chowning's and Kling families and so many others. It was truly a storybook tale of a village taking care of one another, nurturing and supporting one another.  The McLeroy family enjoyed countless days and weekends at beautiful Lake Austin water skiing, boat riding, attending boat races, traveling and cooking and socializing until the wee hours of the night and doing it all again the next night!

Erma attended Copperfield Church and enjoyed Pastor Casey's sermons.  She lived for God's glory.  Erma's strong Christian beliefs fueled her passion of always take care of others ahead of herself.  Friends quickly learned when she offered you food or drink, you took it because she wouldn't take no for an answer!  Erma always asked what she could do for others, how she could help and was uncomfortable when others asked to help her.  A Doctor once said, "your mom told me something I've never heard of, "I'm so sorry for taking up your time, I know you have others to take care of".  Even the last few days of treatments, some so uncomfortable, Erma was always asking how her friends and family were doing and took the time to thank each caregiver over and over.  Erma lived independently the past 25 years after Brian's passing.  When family offered help, she usually deflected saying you need to go home and take care of your family, or I'm okay or let me do something for you!

Erma's pride and joy was her 1998 Toyota Avalon.  Many tried to buy the car from her and they were met with a resounding "No"!  She looked forward to her weekly Thursday beauty shop appointments and going to Walmart shopping for others and always ended up at her favorite Ace Hardware to mail out cards and gifts. Her other passion was sports and loved her Astros and Texans!

The Barretts Glen Street neighbors were such wonderful and loved friends. Erma always talked about having the best street and neighbors in the city.  Friends like Lynda, Don, Dudley, Libby, Ernestine, Darlene, Rush and MaryLee and Bella always looked after her with loving visits, sweet conversation and thoughtful gifts.

Boss would want everyone to hug each other, be kind to each other, take care of one another and celebrate this Glorious Day of her return to her creator in Heaven.  This loving Friend, Wife, Mother, Grandmother and BOSS will be missed greatly but her amazing legacy will live on in each of us forever.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.