Erma Lee Whitehurst Reed, 96, of Northampton, died at home Dec. 2, 2021. Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Moses and Addie (Brackett) Banks. She was the wife of the late Rev. Curtis Whitehurst and the late Herman Reed.

She was a foster parent for 50 years. She owned boutiques in both Allentown and Bethlehem.

She is survived by three sons, Curtis R. Whitehurst and James A. Whitehurst (Stephanie Bozaki), all of Bethlehem, and Shawn Francis (Dena Francis) of Macungie; two daughters, Bernadette Whitehurst, with whom she resided, of Northampton and Kim Francis of Bloomsburg; two step-daughters, Tracey and Victoria Reed, both of Cranford, New Jersey; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and friends.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Doris Whitehurst; and a great-grandson, Jose Serrano III.

Arrangements were made by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.