Erma Lee Brown was born in Huntsville, Texas, to the late Laura Holloman and Willie Lee Brown. She attended the HISD school system and graduated from Huntsville High School. A devoted homemaker, Erma enjoyed walks, dancing, watching Lifetime movies, and doing word search puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Willie Brown Jr., and her sister Barbara Ann Holloman-Hightower.

Erma leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Laura Brown; her devoted life partner of 30 years, John McQuirter; sisters: Juanita Butcher (Albert), Willie Mae Carter (Robert), and Cynthia Mosley (Michael); brothers: Jerry Brown (Kathy), Sidney Don Brown, and Fredrick Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.