Erma Louise (Haynes) Tipler

Erma Louise Haynes Tipler was born on May 19, 1938 to sharecroppers Robert and Minnie Haynes in Catron, Missouri.  She was the 8th child of 11 children.  Later on, the family moved to Portageville, Missouri.

Louise was baptized at an early age at Zion Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Portageville, Missouri.  Although she lost her mother at an early age, it was instilled in her very early, the belief in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  She passed this same belief on to her children.

Louise (as she was known) received her primary education at Carver School in Portageville.  She attended Hayti Central High in Hayti, Missouri.  She started working for MAMOS in 1967-1972.  Sometime during 1972, Louise began working for Federal Mogul in Malden, Missouri.  After several years working there, she went to work for Missouri Housing Alliance.  While working there, she also worked part time teaching Adult Basic Education.  From there, she was hired as Social Service Coordinator for Southeast Missouri Headstart.  During this time, she went back to school and received her BA degree in Social Services from Southeast Missouri University (SEMO).  Soon after graduating, she became Assistant Director and from this promoted to Executive Director of Delta Area Headstart of Southeast Missouri.  During the latter part of her career she worked for Pemiscot County Coalition and Lincoln University Extension Program.

Louise was known for her community service and served on many boards such as Girl Scouts of America, NAACP, NEAYC, Kids Beat and Boys and Girls Club, to name a few.  She prepared taxes for individuals, and was a member of Hayti Central Reunion Committee, and she provided support through different means for family and friends.

Louise married her high school sweetheart, Curtis Leon Tipler, Sr. on September 16, 1957.  To this union, 7 children were born- Brenda, Deborah, Ricky, Terry, Curtis Jr., Jonathan and Karen.

Curtis and Louise joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  Louise was a very active member in church.  She served as Financial Secretary for many years, and was a choir member of many choirs including St. Paul Spirituals and was Mistress of Ceremony of many programs.

Louise joined Central Star #114 Order of Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated Free & Accepted Masons and Blanche B. Hill Court #43 Heroines of Jericho Prince Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons.  She was a Past Most Ancient Grand Matron of the Grand Court Heroines of Jericho Missouri Jurisdiction, PHA F&AM.  Up to her passing she was faithful and held a firm belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Louise transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, September 3, 2021 surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Leon Tipler, Sr., parents, Robert and Minnie Haynes, 2 sisters, Catherine Fitzgerald and Robbie Taylor, 2 brothers, Robert Haynes, Jr. and Willie Haynes.

She leaves to cherish her memory 3 sons, Ricky (Holly), Curtis Tipler, Jr., Jonathan Tipler (Connie); 4 daughters, Brenda Martinez (Noberto), Deborah Franklin, Terry Tipler and Karen Tipler; 3 sisters, Dorothy Sikes, Minnie Welch and Callie Land; 3 brothers, Walter Haynes, Eddie Haynes and Joe Lewis Haynes; 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, other relatives, friends and Church family.