In Honor and Celebration of Erma L. Shaw

Homegoing Celebration:
Friday, October 30, 2020 @ 12:00pm
R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home
374 Vance Ave. - Memphis, TN 38126
Reverend Andre Jones, Officiant

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

Erma Lee Shaw (professionally known as Mashaá) was born November 20, 1954 in Memphis Tennessee to the late Lovie Morris and the late Will Jones. Erma was also predeceased by her former husband Walter Shaw, and four sisters, Betty Earnest, Nina Redden, Connie Ackers, and Doris Henderson.
Erma professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. She later joined St. Andrew AME Church along with her baby brother, Lawrence. Erma began singing at the tender age of seven. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was happiest when focusing on her music career, which is why she developed and earned the stage name, Mashaá.
In Erma’s words during one of her interviews, “Mashaá comes from my first and my last names - the last two letters of my first name, Erma, and the SHA from my last name, Shaw, and then I added a little French touch to it, an á with an accent.”
I guess I was fourteen when I first sang in a studio. It was at Stax for Mrs. Estelle Axton who, together with her brother, is the founder of Stax Records. I did a remake of Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It was the first thing that I ever did in a studio.”
Erma’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of her loving four brothers; Will Morris, Charles Morris, Albert Morris (Veronica), and Lawrence Morris (Vanessa), two sisters; Loretta Earnest, and Lora Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.

►MUSIC PIONEER AWARD 2017 - ERMA SHAW - Memphis, Tennessee

► Erma Shaw in concert in Paris, France

Also, check out the amazing video of Erma Shaw as lead singer on the hit song, "Try It Out."

ProcessionalOld Testament..........Rev. Thomas Stevenson
New Scripture..........Rev. Courtney Morris
Prayer..........Keisha Earnest
Solo..........Ralph Bankston
Poem from the Siblings..........written by Lora Thompson (baby sister) / read by Beverly Dawson
Acknowledgements..........Tametria Ackers
Reflection of Life..........(read silently)
Expressions of Love..........(2 minutes)
Solo..........Jasmine Morris
Eulogy..........Reverend Andre JonesRecessional

Will Morris, Charles Morris, Albert Morris, Lawrence Morris, Derrick Morris, Courtney Morris, Davean Morris, Kenan Westbrook, Brandon Crawford, Michael Logan

Because you cared and came to share
Beautiful flowers and words of prayerThe prayers you said which played a part,
In easing the pain that is in our heartsThe flowers you sent that day,
The cards you mailed along the wayBecause of you, there is no despair,
The grief and sadness, God is helping us bearIt was to us a great comfort indeed,
To see you in our time of sorrow and need;So from our hearts to yours, we thank you
For being such wonderful blessings.- The Family of Erma Shaw

CARE ENTRUSTED TO:
R S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home
374 Vance Avenue - Memphis, TN 38126REPAST CATERED BY:
Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken
unclelousfriedchicken.com