Erma Evelyn (Graham) Strode was born on September 19, 1929 Fordyce, Arkansas to the union of Julia Elliot Graham and Shaddie Graham. She was married to Levert "Syrup" Strode for fifty-one years. She was the second of four children, Lee Esther Solomon, Shad Graham, and Travis Graham.

Mrs. Strode was a devoted Christian and was united with Mt. Sinai Baptist church in 1955. She served as Sunday school superintendent and recruited her sons to serve as ushers and sing in the choir. Mrs. Strode worked for 38 years for the United States Postal Service.

Mrs. Strode was proud of her four boys, Richard, Vincent, Marvin, and Ronald Strode. She always said that she was blessed because she got to her live to see her grandchildren, double blessed because she lived to see her great grandchildren, and God showed her even more favor to see her great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed Christian music and televangelists, listening to blues, playing cards, snacking on black-walnut ice cream, 7-Up soda and peppermints. Her favorite color was navy blue.

Mrs. Strode was preceded in death by her husband, Levert Strode; son, Ronald Strode, sister, Lee Esther Solomon, and brother, Travis Graham. She transitioned this life to be her with her heavenly father and to be reunited with her husband and son on Monday, September 2, 2019.

Mrs. Strode will be remembered and missed by her sons: Richard (Dorothy)

Strode, Vincent Strode, and Marvin (Vergie) Strode; brother Shad (Ollie) Graham, sister-in-law, Essie Campbell, her 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.