Erma Lou Roark McGowan, 79, of Florence, passed away January 4, 2025. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 8 at Williams Funeral Home from 11:00 – 1:00 pm. The service will start at 1:00 pm in the chapel and burial following in Pisgah Cemetery.

She is preceded by her parents, Henry Lincoln and Gemela Caudill Roark; brothers, Henry Junior Roark, Charles Roark.

Erma is survived by her husband, Jack L. McGowan; children, Marcy Gemela McGowan Hill (Doug); sisters, Mary Sue Roark Hicks and Rosalee Roark Fraze. Additional survivors include grandchildren, Hannah Nicole Hill and Jack Douglas Hill; bonus daughter, Amanda Campbell (Jonathan), Malorie and Lizzie; brother-in-law, Dan McGowan; sister-in-law, Phyllis Jones (Daniel); numerous nieces and nephews.

Erma graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education from Eastern Kentucky University, and later earned a Masters in Education from Ball State University, Indiana. She taught school in Osgood, Indiana and Northview High School Dothan, Alabama for a total of thirty-one years before retiring. She found great joy in a variety of hobbies, from cooking and baking to sewing, crafting, and tending to her garden. However, it was her love for Christmas that truly stood out, always making it a special time for everyone around her. Yet, despite her many talents and interests, nothing mattered more to Erma than spending quality time with her family.

Pallbearers are Jonathan Campbell, Jason Fraze, Doug Hill, Jack Hill, Chad Jones, and Chris Jones.