Erma Elizabeth Pollock's Obituary
Erma Elizabeth Hopps Pollock
Erma Elizabeth Hopps Pollock, age 93 passed away peacefully on June 22, 2016 in Leesburg, FL. She was anxious to join her beloved husband Thomas, who predeceased her in March of this year. Her last months have been riddled with sad moments of missing him and snippets of happy times with constant visits with her family singing old hymns.
She is survived by her son, Richard Pollock and wife Sue, of Clermont, FL and her daughter, Carol Ann Pollock Rubiera of Clermont, FL, whose husband Randall recently passed. Preceded in death by her Mother Hethey Finley Hopps, Erma was only ten years old. when she passed. Her brother Herbert passed away in 1945 during World War II. This left a lasting sadness and deep spiritual reverence in her life and drew her very close to her brother Ivan Hopps who preceded her in death in 2009. It also helped her develop strong bonds of love and friendship with her stepmother Mildred, deceased, and stepsisters Elaine Givens, Jean Couto and sister in law Margaret Hopps all of whom have survived her passing.
Erma was born on June 3, 1923 in Noble County, Ohio, to parents Charles and Hethey Hopps. She graduated from Sarasville High School High. During WWII she proudly served as a “Rosie the Riveters” doing her part in the war effort. Erma married Thomas Arthur Pollock on July 3, 1947 in Caldwell, Ohio. He always said, “I met my sweetheart at the 5 and Dime.” They both worked briefly at Kresge Stores in Cambridge. Tom also worked for Goodyear Aircraft in Akron, Ohio and in 1958, they moved to Miami, Florida for his employment with Eastern Airlines. In Hialeah Erma worked at Dupuis Elementary School, where she made lasting friendships and worked until retirement in 1979.
As a young girl, Erma attended church with her family where she dedicated herself to a life to prayer, service, and deeds to our Lord Jesus Christ. When Tom and Erma moved to Florida, they became founding members of Friendship Presbyterian Church and developed lifelong friendships with a strong group of believers. Erma shared her beautiful voice with us all from the choir, even singing at her daughter’s wedding. She was honored to serve as President of the Women of the Church. In addition, she was the recipient of the Lifetime Membership of Presbyterian Women. Upon retirement, they settled in Tavares, FL, joined Lake Square Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed many years at Sunshine Christian Homes/The Cove.
Ohio always held a special place in the hearts of Tom and Erma. Until recently they looked forward to yearly trips and opportunities to reconnect with brother, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Upon retirement, while Tom became very skillful at woodcarving Erma would crochet Afghans for friends and family. Her crafted items graced the homes of many. If you knew her, you knew it was hard to escape her presence without playing a game of cards, eating a piece of delicious homemade fruit pie, and also receiving a gentle hug and her blessing of “God be with you” as you departed.
Her grandchildren: Taylor Pollock of CO (Rebecca,) Rex Pollock of FL (Christy,) Melissa Rubiera of OK, Timothy Rubiera of TX (Catherine,) and Great Grandchildren; Mackenzie, Carter, Avery, Preston, Celest, Bryan, Timothy, Garrett and recently arrived Jameson, also Abbrielle, DJ ( deceased) and Zach are all blessed to have wonderful remembrances of her; their special Great Grandma.
Erma and Thomas lovingly celebrated 68 years together before his passing and their devotion served to impact the proceeding generations within the family and even others until the very end. There was a day very recently when Erma sang the words to In the Garden several times over. As it says in John 14:3.And I go to prepare a place for you. Just as Jesus did this for us all, Tom is with Jesus and his beloved Erma is at “home” in HIS garden, exactly where she wants to be.
A small service for Erma will be held Monday, June 27, 2016 at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home 226 East Burleigh Blvd. Tavares, Florida 32778 God be with you Erma, good and faithful servant!
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