A. Erma Bounds

Armetta Erma Lou Bounds, 88, of Cross Junction, VA, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Erma was born on April 16, 1937, in Braxton County, WV, the daughter of the late Coleman Heater and Leona Riffle Heater. Erma was a woman of deep faith, strong conviction, and vibrant personality. She was an ordained minister and faithfully co-pastored alongside her beloved husband at Acts Christian Fellowship Church. Together, Erma and Bo also served as missionaries in the Middle East, sharing their faith and love for others. She was a founding member of the Abba Crisis Pregnancy Center and devoted much of her life to supporting and nurturing those in need.

Professionally, Erma served in charge of sales and marketing at the Wingate Inn in Winchester, VA. She was actively involved in her community, helping to start the Hob Nob in the Valley and maintaining membership in the Top of Virginia Chamber of Commerce in Winchester and Frederick County.

Erma volunteered with the USO at a young age, proudly served as a Kennedy Girl. She was an active supporter of the Democratic Party. She had a love for singing and was often known for singing "in her own key," bringing laughter and joy to those around her. She enjoyed cooking and baking-though she never quite mastered it-and sewing. She especially delighted in finding joy in "bossing everyone around," always with love and a smile. Above all, Erma's greatest joy was loving and nurturing others. She dearly loved her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable happiness.

On April 20, 1968, in Richmond, VA, she married Julius E. "Bo" Bounds Jr., who preceded her in death on January 10, 2022.

She is survived by her son, Julius E. Bounds III (Audra) of Cross Junction, VA, and their children, Josiah Bounds (Rachel) and Jared Bounds (Marissa); two daughters, Melanie Church (Victor) of Stephens City, VA, and Leona Bounds of Berryville, VA. Melanie's children are Ron Coleman (Sarah), Caitlin Rowlett, Ambrosia Church, and Autumn Church (Larry). Leona's children are Eva (DeVonte), Carter, Jordan, Sophia (Alex) and Julia Dilandro (Matt). She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Avigail Bounds; her great-grandson, Julian Carter; and her siblings, Brenda Webb, Earl Heater (Margie), Sarah Scott, and Marsha Conrad (Dave).

Erma is also preceded in death by a brother, Dick Thompson.

A Celebration of Erma's Life will be held at Giffin Funeral Home and Crematory in Capon Bridge, WV, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Chris Robinson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Erma to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601, or to a charity of one's choice.