Erma Wigfield Fretwell, 80, of Staunton, Va passed away Monday March 13, 2017 at her home.
Erma was born in Harrisburg, PA on October 1, 1936, she was the daughter of Ernest E. and Dorothea W. Wigfield.
In addition to her parents, Erma was preceded in death by her son, William A. Shinpock Jr. and her husband, Justice C. Fretwell.
Erma was very active in the business community and partnered with her late husband in Marwell Properties, L.L.C., specializing in rental property in the Staunton area. Prior to Marwell Properties Erma co-owned and operated a Speedee Oil Change and Tune Up franchise for the mid-Atlantic Region. Additionally, Erma was a member and employee of the Staunton-Augusta County Board of Realtors for a number of years. Erma was a long-time member of the National Republican Committee and enjoyed being active in politics.
Erma was a member of Memorial Baptist Church and generous philanthropist and advocate for animals.
Erma held associate degrees from Stratford Junior College and Marjorie Webster Junior College with an emphasis in Communications. Prior to having children she was in a number of local plays and loved the stage. Erma was a model for Joseph Nays and worked for NBC for a short time in Washington D.C.
Ermas sparkling personality shone through most while she was enjoying time with family, including her children and grandkids. She loved planning for Christmas all year long.
Surviving is a son, Michael Allen Shinpock and his wife Laura of Afton; a daughter, Dorothy Lynn Dottie Shinpock of Staunton; two step-daughters, Kimberly Dawn Napier of Gig Harbor, Washington and Chrisann Derrick of Afton; a brother, Ernest G. Wigfield and wife Wilma of Old Tappan, New Jersey; four grandchildren, Ryan Allen Shinpock, Lauren Elaine Napier, Justin Wade Cason and Brandon Scott Cason; a great-grandson, McCoy Cason; two nieces and one great-niece. Also surviving, are her beloved pets, Gabby and Winston.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2017 in the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.
Entombment will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017 in Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017 in Memorial Baptist Church by Rev. Mark W. Jones.
Active pallbearers will be Justin W. Cason, Brandon S. Cason, Rick Cason, Ryan A. Shinpock, Armon DeLeon, and Trip Kelly.
It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to the Staunton Augusta Regional S.P.C.A., 33 Archery Lane, Staunton, Virginia 24401.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of her arrangements.