Erma Jean Bryant was born on March 8, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Curtis Paul and Ruby D. Paul. Erma was the third child of four siblings: Cardell Freeman, Shirley Davis, and Allen Paul.

Erma accepted Christ at a young age and attended Temple Baptist Church with her mother and siblings. She was an avid fan of ‘PROFANITY’ and mastered the vocabulary at quite an early age.

Erma attended Cleveland Public Schools, she was an amazing athlete who excelled in volleyball, track, and softball. She graduated from East Technical High School in June of 1970. During high school, Erma discovered an eye for fashion. Her outfits had to be perfect; hair ribbons, socks, and shoes always had to match her outfit of the day.  She always dressed to impress and smelled just as good as she looked.  She was an avid lover of jewelry, you would never catch her without at least 3 rings, 2 necklaces, and earrings on always. She always drove the latest and most stylish cars.

Erma began her career while in high school at Eagle Laundry. In 1972 she began the second phase of her career at Cleveland Clinic as a foundry worker until she retired in 2004. Erma loved her family dearly and would support them in anything they did. She was truly a card player and loved bus trips to the casinos. She was reliable and never denied anyone that needed her to drive or accompany them somewhere.

Erma met the love of her life, Kimberly K. Ramsey, in 1990 and they were married on September 7, 2015. They enjoyed each other and their life together for over 30 years until she departed this place we call earth. Erma departed this life on March 16, 2023, just 8 days after she celebrated her 71st birthday during her stay at Euclid General Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis Paul, and Ruby D. Paul; siblings, Cardell Freeman and Allen Paul.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her wife, Kimberly K. Ramsey; their four children, Ruby D. Paul, Esseck J. Bryant, Sr. (Sierra), Karen L. Knight, and Miika D. Ramsey; four grandchildren, Esseck J. Bryant, Jr, Esseckiah C. Bryant, Jackson D. Knight, and Elijah M. Rice; nine nieces and nephews, Yvette L. Paul, Reginald M. Croom (Keshia), Rodney M. Croom, Shirlyn L. Davis, Rashonda L. Croom, Tracy L. Davis, Ratanya S. Croom, Anthony L. Glenn Jr, and Robert H. Croom; Erma also leaves behind one aunt, Eliza Washington; a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, The Knight and Croom Families, other relatives, and friends.