Erma Bird

Erma Fannin Bird, 80, formerly of East Ridge, unexpectedly went Home to be with Our Lord on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, 2018. Erma was a beloved Registered Nurse at Memorial for over 35 years. She was in direct patient care for the first few years and then to the Education Department. There, she taught many employees many procedures to CPR. She was so loved, and she loved Memorial and the employees there. Her next calling was at Hamilton Place in Gold Circle teaching 55 Alive, CPR, and programs sponsored by AARP, AAA, etc. Her last position was at the Information Desk between the SIC, MICU (now called the CVICU). We, her kids, often called her “Mrs. Memorial”. Wherever she was, laughter and smiles were present. She truly valued and walked Memorial’s Mission Statement. Mom was our source of laughter. Wherever and whatever she was doing, it was always at 200%. She and Dad were members of Ridgedale Baptist Church, where she shared her beautiful voice in worship in the choir. Erma was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Donald E. Bird; her parents, Luther M. and Ovelia Patterson Fannin; a baby brother, Thurman Fannin and a sister, Janet F. Crawford. Survivors include her children, DeEtte (David) Bird Rievley; Donnie (Jane) Bird Jr.; twins, Doug S. Bird and Deborah (Chris) R. Bird; grandchildren; a great-grandson; six siblings (of nine) and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Bill Owens officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, South. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Orange Grove Center, 615 Derby Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404, in her memory and honor of her son, Doug Bird. Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, and from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.