Erma Killings

Obituary for Erma Jean Gore Killings Erma Jean Gore Killings, affectionately known as Jean, Sister, or Twist of Decatur, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Born in Fort Valley, Georgia, February 22, 1942, to the late Robert and Catherine Gore; she was preceded in death by a husband, Willie Gene Killings Jr, a loving brother and two sisters; Lewis Gore, Helen Gore Miree, Dorothy Gore Gholston and brother in-law, Verdas Gholston. Erma accepted Christ at a young age, and was baptized at Ushers Temple C.M.E. Church in Fort Valley, GA. Erma graduated from H. A. Hunt High School (Class of 1960), Fort Valley State University (April 30, 1964, BS Comprehensive Business Education). She was an attendant to Miss Fort Valley State in 1963-1964.Erma moved to Atlanta, GA after the late Josephus Johnson asked her to come and work for the USDA, where she was able to travel across the USA, and Virgin Islands. After moving to Atlanta then Decatur, Jean met and married the late Willie Gene Killings Jr, nicknamed Police. The two would later have one son, Justin LeMon. She found a new church home with the Hillside Presbyterian Church that she absolutely loved for she and Justin. In a review she referred to Hillside as a place where friends hold fellowship with friends. It is also a lovely place to worship and learn about the word of God. She continued Post Graduate studies at The University of Georgia in Athens, GA (July 31, 1971, MEd Comprehensive Business Education) and additional studies and workshops receiving additional endorsements at Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University. In addition to her many studies Jean was highly active with her love of service, balancing her life with the Rockdale County High School where she taught and later became an Administrator, as well as teaching at Morris Brown College, and in the Atlanta Public School System (former Walter F. George High School). She became a Department Head at Hosea Feed the Hungry Organization which was a big part of her life where she served on all major holidays, The DeKalb Hillandale Cancer Support, where she mentored and prayed for many, The Atlanta Braves 400 Fan Club, making sure she had her season tickets and attending the baseball games, and the Lou Walker Community Senior Citizens Facility where she enjoyed making cards, writing plays, and acting as well. She was a Life Member of Fort Valley State University and a Member of the Dekalb Alumni Chapter where she served on the "Love and Care” Committee. One of Erma’s biggest accomplishments was when she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, Delta Beta Chapter of Fort Valley State College -Spring 1961. She was a Crystal Dove (50+ years of Service) and a Life Member. She was member of Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter in East Point, GA where she was inducted into the Chapter Hall of Fame in 1999. She served as 1st Vice President, Chair of the Tea with Z, and Chaplain and Chair of the Burial Committee. She was recognized for her service by Ms. Elisabeth Omilami at the 2014 Boule' during the Honorary Membership Service. She was a loving wife, mother, soror, and friend to many who knew her. She is survived by her son Justin who she later referred to as her “Son-daddy”, Angie her beautiful daughter-love, her sisters, Rosa Gore Walker(oldest), Doris Gore surviving twin, a brother Bobby Gore, and Ruthanne G. Tolliver niece/sister who grew up in the Gore family household as a younger sister, 2 granddaughters, 1 great-granddaughter, and host of relatives whom she loved dearly.

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Erma Killings

February 22, 1942 - January 27, 2024