Mrs. Erma Jean Bozeman

Erma Jean Bozeman, affectionately known by her family as Madear (or My-dear), was born on March 7, 1930, in San Felipe, Texas, to Effra Barley and Norma Jean Gentry. She matriculated through the public school system of Waller County and graduated as class Valedictorian from the Sealy Colored High School on May 9, 1946. The road from San Felipe, Texas would lead to Brookshire, Texas, where she would cross paths with a young gentleman named Leon Bozeman, Sr. On July 27, 1947, the two became one, embarking on what could only be called, "the journey of a lifetime"; creating an indelible bond and marriage which would span 69 ½ years! To their union, seven children were born: Catherine, Gloria, Leon Jr., Marilyn, Isaac, Reginald, and Max. After relocating to Houston, Texas, she dedicated herself to becoming a loving homemaker, and devoted her life to the rearing of her children. In 1954, Bro. and Sis. Bozeman united with the True Light Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. William Bowie, Jr. Her unwavering commitment to the work of Christ and love for her church called her to serve faithfully in many auxiliaries to include: Senior Mission President; Youth Choir Matron; Vacation Bible School Teacher; Annual Tea Committee President; Women’s Day Chairperson; Chairperson of the Deaconess/Lord Supper Committee; Choir President/Choir President Emeritus; Sunday School Adult Teacher; Culinary Committee; and Benevolence Clerk. Sister Bozeman could rarely be found tardy or absent from Sunday School or noon-day Bible Study! She looked forward to attending them weekly. She also enjoyed participating in the monthly Seniors’ activities, luncheons, and outings. Oh the places she would go! She often shared fond memories of her church/convention travels and joyfully reminisced of all the cities and places she was fortunate to visit. Socially, she served many years as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Possessing the memory of an elephant - she could be called upon to recall names, dates, and events with precision! She was also a culinary trailblazer – just ask the family – some of her BEST work was done in the kitchen and on her bar-be-que pit! Boy could she cook! Long before catering became popular, meals of large proportions were no match for her and she gained a reputation for slaying them with ease. Her family could feel her love through her silent and sometime stern eyes, see it in her quiet smile, and hear it in her calm, soft voice – a voice of wisdom. Awaiting her heavenly arrival are her parents, a host of relatives and dear friends, grandsons (endearingly referred to as Ganny boys) Whitney Alexander Bozeman and Christon Dan-Leon Bozeman, and great granddaughter Porsha Iman Cubitt. Truly, a life well-lived, she leaves treasured memories for many to cherish: her devoted husband, Deacon Leon Bozeman, Sr.; her loving children and their spouses - Catherine Cubitt, Gloria Jean Akbar, Leon Bozeman, Jr. (Linda), Marilyn, Isaac (Cynthia), Reginald, and Max (Barbara), eighteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her loving church family, the "Family of Light."