Erma Lee Libbee

Erma Lee (Jump) Libbee, faithful wife, loving mother, dedicated educator, nurturing gardener and magnanimous friend to many passed away quite unexpectedly on May 24, 2020. Born in Pathfork, Kentucky, Erma attended Bell County High School and later Berea College and Cumberland College eventually earning her Masters In Education from the University of Cincinnati. Erma began her 42 year teaching career at Goshen, moved to Milford, and retired from Great Oaks.

Fiercely dedicated to the knowledge that education is the key to the future, Erma inspired many students to never settle for less than the best life and to seek self-identity. She made loyal connections to generations of students who still remember her commitment to them today. She didn't just touch the lives of those students, she taught them to believe in themselves and have compassion and endurance. She opened doors and built bridges spanning futures. It was often said that "her shoes couldn't be filled."

Faithful to her family and friends, Erma lived simply and humbly, loving people and her kitties. Her love came softly in gifts which held her personal touch. A master gardener all her life, Erma's garden produce was the best around. Her kind and gentle hands knew the labor of the soil, the care of the plants, the harvest of the vegetables, and finally the baking and canning. Everyone knew if Erma gave you a jar of her produce, that when it was empty, the jar should be returned. For more. No one ever went hungry in Erma's household. She tended her garden up until the day her huge, generous, kind heart gave out.

Erma held her family in the sunshine and garden of her heart. Our pathways are straight and honest. She grew in us, her legacy. We are her garden. We are her legacy. Her love sparkles brightly in us as we remember this gentle giant, this larger than life woman who loved us.

Erma is survived by her husband of 59 years, John Donald Libbee, her two children Nancy and Don, her brother Charles Jump (Taylorville, Ill), as well as nieces, nephews, and many cousins and a multitude of close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Jim & Elva (Ealy) Jump and an infant brother Wesley Jump.

A most selfless and faithful servant to the end, her warrior spirit and zest for life is, and was, awe-inspiring. She will be missed by many. Her funeral will be held on Friday, May 29th at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Milford, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM with service to follow at 11:00. A luncheon will be held afterward in the church's fellowship hall. Social Distancing will be practiced.