Obituary of Erma Lampkin

Erma Lampkin, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Palatine Nursing Home.

Born on March 1, 1932 in Worchester, a daughter of the late Victor and Marietta (Goodfellow) Manchester. Erma was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central High School, Class of 1950. 

Erma was a kind person, who enjoyed the simple things. Time with her family and friends were the most important aspects of her life. When you entered her home, you often found her cooking or baking, and there was always a welcome in her smile, and a cup of coffee available.

Erma’s favorite past time was teaching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren how to play cards, and board games. And during these times she shared her humor, as well as words of wisdom. Wonderful memories were made around her dining room table. A cup of coffee, and a kind word was her way of alleviating the worries of the day.  So that by the time you were ready to leave her house, those issues were fading away.

There was a letter found in her room, that were her last words of wisdom, “Forgive all, love one another, and most of all don’t hold a grudge. Help family & friends, think before speaking. Change your outlook toward people and life in general by praying to God, asking for forgiveness…so you will have peace within yourself.”

She opened her heart to all, and she will be greatly missed.

Erma was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard G. Lampkin, whom passed on July 8, 2006; son, Howard Lampkin, whom passed on December 30, 2023; twin brother, Earl Manchester whom passed on February 15, 2019; brother, Olin Manchester; sisters, Helen Manchester, Ella Snyder, Dorcas Keller and Judy Brown.

Survivors include her children, Arlene Lampkin, Diane Jump and Harold Lampkin; brother, Wilson Manchester; grandchildren, Harold Jr., John, Adam, James, Sarah, Matthew, Katrina, Crystal, Andrew and Deanna; 14 great grandchildren; her friend thought of as a daughter Colleen Merritt; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Erma will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 1pm, where calling hours will be held prior beginning at 11am at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam. Burial will be held in the Spring at Fairview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Town of Florida Vol. Fire Department, 6252 State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010.