Erma June Vinson

March 22, 1939 - January 18, 2021

03/22/1939 - 01/18/2021

On Monday, January 18th, 2021, Erma June Vinson, of Chesapeake, Virginia, gently left this world at the age of 81.
June grew up near Charleston, West Virginia, and moved to Chesapeake to teach English after graduating from West Virginia Tech. She taught at Great Bridge High School for many years, stepped away to raise her children, and returned to teaching just in time to help start Hickory High School, where she remained until her retirement. She had a positive impact on many students throughout her career.
Always active in the community, she was involved with many civic organizations, and became a Master Gardener. Her yard was a garden, her garden was prolific, and her cows, sheep, chickens, bees, and ducks always seemed happy. The place was a manifestation of life and love’s bounty under her patient hands. She helped make the people happy, too, by organizing and inspiring a huge production each Christmas of Handel’s Messiah, and took particular delight in the growing attendance every year. She loved her home and her community, and touched as much of it as she could.
Erma June was preceded in death by her husband John, brother Darrell, and parents Ezra and Freda Thornton. She is survived by her three children Danny (wife Janie), Cindy Crook (husband Jeff), and Kristy (Kiki); four grandchildren; and nephew Randy and niece Sandy. There are many who will miss her deeply.
Due to the risks of our current pandemic, there will be a memorial service as soon as it’s possible to do so safely. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to one of these two organizations:
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
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Michael Burton
1 year ago

What a great person Erma was!
She was good friends with my Mom,
Norma Cochran, Norma Burton

My Mom and me and my brother went to Rock Lake swimming pool with Erma June in late 50s early 60s.
I couldn’t swim back then. I wanted to go out to the peer where Erma June was, the water was over my head, I started sinking, no lifeguards close by.
Erma June reached out and pulled me into the peer.
Erma June saved my life.

I am 69 years old now.
Thanks to this wonderful person

Admin
3 years ago

Chesapeake Messiah Committee 2018

Eileen Bennett
3 years ago

Kristy, your mother was such a loving friend and Sigma sister to my mother, Charlotte Fitzgerald. Please accept my deepest condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Bootsie Osburn
3 years ago

June was so loved by us and we’ve talked about all the wonderful times we spent together. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her. She created beauty in her home, family ,students, garden, animals, and music! And she shared her love with everyone. What a woman!!!

Beverly Osmundson Sizemore
3 years ago

Mrs Vinson taught me 10th grade English. She was a very special teacher. We continue to stay in touch over the years, such a beautiful lady inside and out.So blessed Erma joined my cousin Margaret Walker and I for lunch at Southland Restaurant in Moyock NC severl years ago. My deepest sympathy to Erma’s family.

Kathy Smith
3 years ago

Danny, Cindy and Kristy, Jeff and I were so sorry to hear about June. We have so many fond memories of her in Boy and Girl Scouts. To this day, every time I see a cinnamon bun I think of her. She made the best! She also taught me how to take the sting out of sunburn by using brewed teabags. She will be missed. I’m sorry for your loss.

John and Madeline Hoyt
3 years ago

She was a true educator and reached out to help her students at Great Bridge High School. We have many great memories of her. She shall be missed

Barbara Russel
3 years ago

What a wonderful obituary for a wonderful woman. It was a blessing to know her, and I will miss her like crazy, as I know you all will. I wish she could have spent her last months overlooking her yard and sheep and wondering if the red bellied water snakes had returned, but I am sure she is happy in the presence of the Lord. Hugs and blessings to you all.

Jeff & Sharon Cardillo
3 years ago

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of June…she was a special Godly lady who loved her Lord, her family, and her community…it was a joy to know her here on this earth, and it will be a true blessing to join her in heaven with Jesus…all of us in the Chesapeake Messiah community will miss June, her drive, strength, and joy of being able to sing such wonderful music to the Lord and to the citizens of Hampton Roads…

Carl & Barbara Jensen
3 years ago

Dear Cindy, Danny, Kristy and family,
Your mother was a dear friend of Carl and me, and we will miss her kindnesses, and her caring ways. Our West Virginia connections made our friendship special. The Lord now has someone to take good care of his critters. We will never forget your Mom/Grandmother. May God bless your family.
With love,
Barbara & Carl Jensen