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.
Mashaá, remember when you strived to be a star?
But didn’t quite realize you already are.
Shining so far yet so bright
We all love to bask in your light
In Heaven, the crowds are now cheering your name.
Mashaá! Mashaá!
Awaiting the majestic melodies from not so long ago, yet not in vain.
You’re finally home where your voice can reign.
Mashaá the star, oh yes you are!
Singing from your beautiful and delicate heart.
Save our places, for we will meet again.
For you darling, our love shall never EVER end.
-- Written by Erma's youngest sister, Lora, on behalf of the siblings.
Processional
Old Testament Scripture..........Rev. Thomas Stevenson
New Testament Scripture..........Rev. Courtney Morris
Prayer..........Keisha Earnest
Solo..........Ralph Bankston
Poem from the Siblings..........Beverly Dawson
Acknowledgements..........Tametria Ackers
Reflection of Life..........(read silently)
Expressions of Love..........(2 minutes)
Solo..........Jasmine Morris
Eulogy..........Reverend Andre Jones
Recessional
Because you cared and came to share,
Beautiful flowers and words of prayer
The prayers you said which played a part;
In easing the pain that is in our hearts
The flowers you sent that day;
The cards you mailed along the way
Because of you, there is no despair,
The grief and sadness, God is helping us bear
It 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
Will Morris Charles Morris
Albert Morris Lawrence Morris
Derrick Morris Courtney Morris
Davean Morris Kenan Westbrook
Brandon Crawford Michael Logan
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CARE ENTRUSTED TO:
R S Lewis & Sons Funerial Home
374 Vance Avenue - Memphis, TN 38126
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OFFICIANT | EULOGY:
Reverend Andre Jones
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PROGRAMS:
Wells Graphics & More
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FOOD CATERED BY:
Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken
3633 Millbranch Rd.
Memphis, TN 38116
901-332-2367