Erma K. (Deason) Haven Barber departed this life on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Newport, Arkansas, at the age of 90. She was born on September 13, 1935, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to Jeff Deason and Bessie (Morris) Deason. Ms. Erma was married to her first husband, Vernon “Bo” Haven, Sr., for 34 years. She spent 25 years with her second husband, Johnny Mac Barber.
Ms. Erma was a member of Midway Church of Christ. After the death of her husband, Bo, she acquired her GED and Certificate of Nursing. As an LPN, Ms. Erma loved taking care of her patients at Harris Hospital Senior Care, and did so for 20 years. Ms. Erma was a master gardener and enjoyed bringing life back into near-dead plants. She loved shopping for a good bargain and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Ms. Erma is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Vernon “Bo” Haven, Sr.; her second husband, Johnny Mac Barber; one daughter, Zena Haven Hatten; one brother, Tommy Deason; three sisters, Jeffie Deason, Marty Jones, Kay Burrow; and one grandson, Brad Heath.
She is survived by one son, Vernon “Bubba” Haven, Jr. and wife, Janet, of Searcy; three daughters, Beth Corley of Prattsville, Vickie Cooper and husband, Mike, of North Richland Hills, Texas, Katheryn Smith and husband, Wade, of Newport; eight grandchildren, Michael and wife, Laura; Jason and wife, Billie; Sarah and boyfriend, Doc; Kristen; Nick; Shay and husband, Donald; Madelaine and husband, Johnathan; Dominique; eleven great grandchildren, Hannah, Ryan, Trinity, Lila, Caleb, Madelynn, Aubree, Zena, Amelia, Brooke, Brandon and wife, Holly; four great great grandchildren, Raegan and husband, Tyler, Laekyn, Bayleigh, Paxton; and one great great great granddaughter, Caroline Kate.
The family of Ms. Erma will be hosting a memorial service at Midway Church of Christ on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
