Racine- Mrs. Erma T Matt (Gandy), age 94, transitioned into a new life on Friday, August 9, 2019. She was the youngest child born January 15, 1925 in Waynesboro, Mississippi to Mrs. Cora Riley and Mr. Will Gandy. Erma was educated in the Mississippi school systems. As an adult, she relocated to Racine, Wisconsin. She was married to the love of her life for 65 years, James Thomas Matt, affectionately known as "Bubba", who predeceased her in 2006. No children were born of this union. The couple raised "Bubba's" cousin, Dexter Schnell Stewart, who was like a son. Erma accepted Christ at a young age and attended St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest Black church in Racine (founded in 1857), under the leadership of The Rev. Bailey until his death. As her health declined, she attended other churches which were closer to her home.

Erma enjoyed working in her garden and meticulously cared for the flowers and plants she grew. Her home was adorned with plants and flowers, her landscaping was immaculate….she would dare others to walk across her lawn daily. She possessed a firm, but nurturing and loving spirit to all who came in contact with her. A little fact not known to many…..Erma's mother, Mrs. Cora Riley, was asked  by her niece, Patricia, what the " T" stood for in place of Erma's middle name. Grandmother admitted to it being a glitch, not meaning anything. Erma's middle name was to be Carol, birth certificate was never corrected. Hence the "T" remained. Erma was affectionately nicknamed "T-Bone" by her nephews, Ronald and Donald Matt.

Erma worked in the Food Service industry for Pactiv and as a personal companion for the late Mrs. Rubin of Highland Park, Illinois for many years until her death. She would share her home with her nieces and nephews during Summer breaks from school as well as extended periods. Erma enjoyed cooking and baking and would always have good food and homemade cakes for anyone who would stop by. Her culinary skills were outstanding, you were guaranteed a good meal, sincere conversation and heartfelt love. Erma resided in her home of 1327 Maple Street since 1950 and was able to live alone from 2006 until 2017. As her health declined, she moved to Franciscan Villa, then transferred to Francis House in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin which was her last residence. Erma was predeceased by 20 siblings.

To celebrate her life and cherish her memory is her sister, Mrs. Cora Richardson of Maple Heights, Ohio; special cousin, Mrs. Florence Barker of Racine, Wisconsin; sister-in- law, Mrs. Susie Matt of Racine, Wisconsin; devoted niece, Ms. Patricia Jones of Hopewell, Virginia; Godson, Mr. James Earl Landers of Hermitage, Tennessee; Goddaughter, Ms. Gwendolyn Faison of Duluth, Georgia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Special Honor to Francis House staff (especially, caregivers Kimberly, Amy and Kelly); Vitas Hospice Staff;  cousins, Florence Barker, Joy Gandy-Simpson, Byron and Carol Gandy; niece, Annie Hellens; nephew, Ronald Matt; special friends, Daniel Williams and Danna Barker -Scott for making her last days most  memorable.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 12:00 noon with Rev. Richard L. Jones, Sr. officiating. Entombment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park. Repast immediately following at Infusino's Banquet Hall (3201 Rapids Drive Racine, WI 53404). Viewing will be in the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. As our beloved Erma was a giver and loved children, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to St. Jude's Hospital for Children or to the American Heart Association.