Erma Stolz Burley
August 18, 1932 ~ January 24, 2022
Erma Stolz Burley of Aberdeen passed away peacefully on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the age of 89. Erma was born August 18, 1932 in Patton, PA, the daughter of Blair and Ruth (Farabaugh) Stolz. She graduated from Ebensburg Cambria High School in 1948 at the age of 16 and traveled to New Jersey where she worked at the Owens Illinois Glass Factory for 4 years. Erma married her high school sweetheart, Robert J. Burley, in 1952 and had 7 children over the next 11 years residing in Hampton, VA, then moving to NC in 1966.
Erma became a dedicated member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Southern Pines. She was involved in numerous volunteer activities over the years which included a Reading Program on the radio for the blind, Meals on Wheels, and a reading tutor at Aberdeen Elementary School. Her last volunteer activity which spanned 20 years was with Habitat for Humanity, where she helped build many houses as well as work in the resale shop with her good friend, Barbara Nuti. She was also an avid bowler and participated in the Sandhills Striders Club. Erma also did much traveling and visited 44 states and 33 countries.
In addition to her parents, Erma was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Robert J. Burley, 3 siblings, her son, Bruce A Burley, and a granddaughter, Jacqueline Dowen. She is survived by her children, Barbara Burley, Janice Verbic, Jeffrey Burley, Joni Baggett(Craig), Robert J. Burley, Jr, and Brenda Stroker(Scott), 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, brother, Patrick Stolz(Hilda), and several nieces and nephews. She was a devoted wife, mother, Grandma, and Great Grandma and was a devout disciple of God her entire life. Erma will forever live on in the hearts she leaves behind.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Fellowship hall in Southern Pines on Sunday, January 30 at 4PM. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 31 at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Memorials can be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Firsthealth Hospice and Palliative Care in Pinehurst, or Habitat for Humanity in Aberdeen.
The family would like to sincerely thank our Mom’s caregivers for their loving and compassionate care over the past 5 years, Dottie Bevilaqua, Angela Cole, Kendra Lowery, and Pearl Flanagan. Also, many thanks to Firsthealth Hospice and Palliative Care for their support and care of our entire family.
Powell Funeral Home is serving the Burley family.
To the Burley family. Please know that you are in our prayers. We were Blessed to have known Erma. A precious lady.
Brenda, Scott and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your mother passing. We pray you will feel God’s love and presence all around you and may he give you peace and comfort during your time of grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Linda and Butch Usher
Whispering Pines NC
Phillip Brickle
Hello Janice and family,
I just learned of your mom’s passing. I am sorry for your sadness.
You have all been loving and caring through many difficult years.
May she rest in peace.
My condolences, my prayers are with you.
Janice, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find some peace at this time remembering and celebrating the life of your mother,
Kelly Myers
Janice and family
I extend my deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time. I pray that each of you find comfort in your memories and time spent as family. Daneene Barton
Janice and family, Please accept my condolences and know I’ll be thinking of you in your time of loss.
Janice and Family – I was so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Please accept my condolences as you navigate the coming days, weeks and months remembering all the wonderful memories you shared together with family.