Erma Sue Harvill

Erma Sue (Rand) Harvill passed away in Kaufman, Texas at the age of 95 on December 13, 2019. She was born a twin in Vivian, Louisiana on January 18, 1924. Shortly after her birth, she and four of the five other siblings were moved to Kaufman by their father, Walter Calhoun Kellam. They were put up for adoption due to the untimely death of their biological mother, Myrtis Brogdon Kellam. Erma Sue was adopted by Charles H. Rand and Lorena (Jenkins) Rand of the Rand Community. The other siblings were also adopted by local families and relatives. Erma Sue spent her young life in Kaufman growing up in a very loving home with her adopted brothers and sisters, John Ed Rand, Roy Rand, Ruth Rand Copeland, and Imogene Rand McKinney. She was also able to stay in touch with all of her biological brothers and sisters, twin brother Jimmy Graham, W.C. Dykes, Bishop Dykes, Virginia Mae DeLong, and Lois Crabb.  Erma Sue was the last living sibling, both adopted and biological.

She eventually moved to Dallas in the 50’s. She returned to the Kaufman area 20 years ago with her late husband of 30+ years, William “Bill” Harvill, to spend the remainder of their lives. He passed away shortly after the move. Throughout her life, Erma Sue was primarily a housewife, but had also been a caretaker for the elderly for a number of years which she enjoyed. She was very easy going, loved pets, especially Thelma Louise as she was her faithful companion in her Golden years. She was also a fabulous cook. She passed on that trait to her daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters.

She absolutely loved dancing! She enjoyed watching Westerns, mostly Gunsmoke, and listening to music especially Gospel, Classic Country and of course, she loved Alan Jackson. But most of all, she loved Jesus and was waiting on him to come take her home. That’s where she is now.

She had four wonderful daughters. They were her rock… Donna Sue Ashcraft (Dec), Brenda Joyce Hammond, Tonya Dale Benham, and husband Ronnie, and Julie Ann Henderson and husband, Johnny. She also had 8 Grandchildren, 22 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and countless Nieces, Nephews, friends and extended family. She will be dearly missed.