Erma Irvin Shoopman

Erma Irvin Shoopman was welcomed into the open arms of Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.Erma was born on July 31, 1926, in Denver, Colorado to Ernest and Margaret Irvin. Two years later, the family relocated to Lyons, Kansas. Erma was the third of five children and enjoyed a wonderful childhood. Commonplace at their home was a family sing-along of gospel songs; her mother would play the piano, while her father would sing bass and all the children would join in.Although demure in nature, Erma was an auburn-haired beauty with a radiant smile that would light up any room she entered. She loved to sing and dance.After graduating high school, Erma enrolled in nursing school in Hutchinson, Kansas. While home for the holidays, Erma met her “white knight” on a blind date arranged by her youngest sister, Eileen Irvin, and her boyfriend, Donald Bayer. The foursome would date often thereafter. Erma experienced a severe reaction to the “green soap” then used by hospital staff, which caused her to set aside her dream of being a nurse. Soon after her return to Lyons, Lloyd Hughes “Shoop” Shoopman proposed and the two were united in marriage on August 24, 1947.Shoop was employed by Mobil Oil. Even though transfers were fairly frequent, Erma loved spending time with all the “Mobil wives”. They were overjoyed with the arrival of their first child, Pamela Diane, in 1948. Three years later, David Lloyd, was born; sadly, however, he passed away two days later due to complications. Erma and Shoop were again blessed in 1954 with the birth of a second daughter, Judith Lynn. In 1966, Shoop was transferred to Midland. Construction of their new house had just been completed when they received word that Erma’s father had passed. Soon after returning from the funeral, Erma celebrated her 40th birthday. Three weeks later, her beloved Shoop passed away.The following year, Erma began a 21-year career with the City of Midland. She retired in 1989.Erma was a member of First Baptist Church since 1966. She loved the many friendships she made, especially the ladies in her Sunday School, the Lydia Department.Almost four years ago, Judy and Randy welcomed Erma into their home. She was very happy there and often said, “I like being spoiled”, to which Judy would reply, “You deserve to be spoiled.” She remained with them until her passing.Preceding Erma in death were her husband, “Shoop”; infant son, David; parents, Ernest and Margaret Mae Irvin; brother, Claude Irvin, and two sisters, Norma Koch and Vera Burfield.Survivors include her daughters, Pamela (Joe) Robertson of Tyler, Texas, and Judith (Randy) Overbeck of Midland; her youngest sister, Eileen Bayer of Pawnee Rock, Kansas; grandchildren, Scott (Christy) Robertson of Friendswood, Texas; Lori Farris Alsup of Midland; Julie Robertson of Vista, California; Sheila Browning of Victoria, Texas; Christi (Grant) Mays of Richland Springs, Texas; great grandchildren, Tyson Robertson, Briggs Alsup, Brady Alsup, Blake Robertson, Augustus Browning, Libby Mays, Nolan Mays, Emily Mays and Molly Mays.We wish to thank the many family members, friends and neighbors who visited Erma in recent months. She loved each occasion.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, April 6, 2018, at First Baptist Church-Chapel.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Foundation or the Midland Memorial Hospital Foundation.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com.,