Erma Stelivan-McBride

Erma Lavette Stelivan-McBride was born on August 14, 1961, to the union of Melvin Charles Ray Stelivan and Mae Helen Stelivan. She was the third of six children.
Erma's ministry on this earth was one of love and hospitality. She found enjoyment in serving others in their times of celebration and need, rarely asking for anything in return. Erma was the mother of all mothers who poured her soul into everyone she encountered. Her mission in life was to be a mother to the motherless, and those who did not have the love they needed. She happily raised her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of others. Her house was a safe haven for many, and she welcomed everyone with open arms.
In 1986, Erma dedicated her life back to the Lord and joined Emmanuel Temple Church of God & Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop, Juan L. Morrsion Sr and Mother Clementine Morrison. She spent close to 40 years serving the members of Christ through hospitality and service. She began as a dear friend to Pastor Daryl Morrison and his wife, Cheree Morrison, and later had the honor of serving faithfully under their leadership at Emmanuel Temple. Her loyalty, kindness, and unwavering support reflected her deep love for God and the people of her church family.
She was a faithful and dedicated member of her church. She served God to her fullest capacity and laid the foundation for others to know Christ through her. You could find her every Sunday shouting and praising the Lord in the walls of Emmanuel Temple. Erma was a Proverb 31 women who taught her family to have their own relationship with God. The bible tells us a wise woman builds her house and Erma's house was built on God's authority and love. She was a praying woman always seeking God for his divine direction.
Erma worked for Springfield Urban League for 30 years prior to retiring. She held many positions with her primary role being head cook and later transitioned an administrative role as a receptionist. In 2020, Erma was able to return to her passion of cooking when she accepted a position with Family Guidance Center as a cook. She was a cook by profession, but there was nothing common about the meals she prepared. She showed her love through her food; it was her ministry. If you ever tasted her food, then you've experienced her love and the love she had for God. And her love is what will be missed most by the loved ones she leaves behind. On Monday October 20, 2025, Erma Lavette Stelivan McBride transitioned from this life to Glory.
Erma was preceded in death by her father Melvin Charles Ray Stelivan, husband Robert L. McBride, maternal grandparents Erma and Johnson Young, parental grandparent Icesola and Joseph Stelivan, brother in love Derek Hughes and godson Detarius Haynes. Erma left to celebrate her legacy, daughters Shakiara Stelivan, Daysha, Angel, Terri, and Darnisha Newman, and the spoiled BRAT Janese McBride all of Springfield IL, two nieces whom she raised Patreace Stelivan of Springfield IL and Latreace Stelivan of Tucson AZ, nephew Joe Marshall whom she also raised as her son of Springfield IL, three goddaughter Clarissa Felton and Charkeya Hemphill Logan of Springfield IL, and Renetta L. Rice of Nashville TN. Mother, Mae Helen Stelivan of Springfield IL, brothers Charles Ray, Patrick (Francis) and Kevin Stelivan all of Springfield IL, sisters Janice Hughes and Carolyn (Bobby) McCrary also of Springfield IL, 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren all of Springfield IL and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family friends.