Erna Mae Gess

Erna Mae Gess, 96, of Fulton, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 14, 1920, in Fulton, the daughter of the late Ernest Scott and Nannie Baker Scott. She was united in marriage to William Delroy Gess Sr., who preceded her in death, a union which brought forth five children. Erna received her formal education from Fulton North Public School and Lincoln Laboratory High School in Jefferson City. She worked for many years in the home of the Ovid Bell family. She spent 26 years as a cook and in her last years a houseparent, prior to retirement, at Kappa Alpha Fraternity on the Westminster College campus. Erna's job was a joy in her life, as she touched the lives of hundreds of young men, being thought of as their mom away from home. Until the day she went home to be with Jesus, she referred to them as "her boys". "Her boys" faithfully have stayed in contact with her until her departure from this life. They were instrumental in establishing a scholarship in her name at Westminster College, as well as receiving a plaque "Honorary Graduate of Westminster College". Erna joined St. James United Methodist church at a very early age. During her years at the church, she served in several capacities. She taught vacation bible school. She was a member of several choirs throughout the years. She served on the pastor parish relations committee as well as the trustee board. She was a very active member of the Willing Workers and the United Methodist Women. Erna supported her community as often as she had the opportunity in her active years. She was a den mother for the Boy Scouts when her son was young, volunteered many years for the March of Dimes Neighborhood Campaign and at one time participated with the Pink Ladies at the local hospital. Erna was known throughout the community as a very caring individual who was always doing something for the other guy. She was diligent in sending cards to the ill. During her active years, a homemade pie or even a meal often accompanied the cards. She was an avid reader of the newspaper who made sure that articles, reached the appropriate individuals they were most suited to. Erna leaves to emulate her beautiful life, one son, John Gess Sr. (Shannon) of Lubbock, Texas; three daughters, Delores Kemp, Anna Galbreath (Charles) and Karen Gess, all of Fulton; one brother, Edward Scott of Kansas City; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Gess; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; her only first cousin, Herbert Johnson Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at St. James United Methodist Church in Fulton. Burial will follow at Southside Cemetery in Fulton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, William D. Gess Jr.; four brothers; one sister; one son-in-law; one great-grandson and one grandson-in-law. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus or St. James United Methodist Church both in care of Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court Street, Fulton, Missouri 65251. Online condolences may be made at www.debofuneralhome.com