Erma Jean Hawthorne Passons

Erma Jean Passons was ushered into her heavenly home on Thursday, April 25, 2024.  She died at the Baptist Hospital with her loving family at her side.  Erma Jean was born August 6, 1944 in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, in Rankin County, and was living in Rankin County when she died.  

 On August 20 1965, Erma Jean married Paul Passons, also from Rankin County, and they began their life together in Richland, MS.  Several years later, they were blessed with a set of twins, Stacy and Tracy.  In 1981, Erma Jean and Paul began a brand, new family business in Richland named Passons Specialized Services, which is still a growing business today.       

 Erma Jean was blessed with a perfect alto voice which she used in every church of which she was a member.  The church in which she grew up was Rehobeth Baptist Church in Pelahatchie, and for many years, she sang in the choir at First Baptist Church in Richland.  Lastly, she was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson and for many years was a loyal choir member.  Erma Jean enjoyed preparing and singing in the Carols by Candlelight with many of her alto friends. She not only used her God-given talent in church, she sang with a trio called “His Harmony,” where they entertained throughout central Mississippi to various church groups, camps, and assisted living groups.  

Erma Jean and Paul loved traveling in their motorhome to many states and making lifelong friends along the way.  They also traveled out of the country on many occasions.  Some of the most memorable trips involved Don and Sue Phillips, and Larry and Sandy Black.  One of her most memorable trips was a recent trip to Nashville with David and Elizabeth Hawthorne. 

Erma Jean loved her family and especially loved watching them participate in many activities.  She loved watching Aaron and Amber play sports and especially enjoyed traveling to watch Amber play college softball and later coach.  

Erma Jean was preceded in death by her mother, Erma Lee Hawthorne; her father, David Hawthorne, Sr; her brothers, Layne Hawthorne and David Hawthorne, Jr.   

 She is survived by her husband Paul, of almost 60 years; Twins: Daughter, Stacy Adcock (husband, Scott) and Son, Tracy Passons (wife, Shantel); Two Grandchildren, Aaron Adcock and Amber Adcock Beall (husband, Seth); and Four Great Grandchildren, Anniston and Hudson Adcock and Ava and Hugh Beall; Sister, Mazelle Davis (Skip), and Sister-in-law Elizabeth Hawthorne.  +

 Visitation will be held Monday April 29 from 9-11 am with the service to follow.  Both will be held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon.  Burial service will follow at Floral Hills Memory Garden.