Ermyne Pearson, 86 of Mount Dora, FL died Tuesday, July 18, 2017. She was born to the late Roy F. and Ethel Duckworth in Cleveland, OH. Ermyne grew up and lived in Gulfport, Mississippi, until her marriage to GRM (Bob) Pearson in 1954. Ermyne attended the University of Southern Mississippi and was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority.

Ermyne and Bob moved to Mount Dora with their two daughters in 1969. She and her mother, Ethel, opened The Drawer Ltd in 1970. Her life was filled with civic organizations and the daily operations of her store. She was an active downtown merchant until she retired in 2013. Ermyne served the community in various capacities. She was instrumental in founding the Mount Dora Art Festival and Mount Dora Craft Fair. She was the first woman president of the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce in 1975, Mount Dora Citizen of the Year in 1994 and named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser in 2005 by the National Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She was president of the Village Merchants Association, Retired Officers Wives Club, Chairman of Lake County Red Cross Volunteers and served on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Humane Society. She founded Women for Hospice and was president until 2014.

Ermyne is survived by her daughters, Bootie Pearson and Suzie (John) Roberts and her devoted canine companion Bristol Ann. She is preceded in death by her husband, GRM (Bob) Pearson in 2006.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017, at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home, 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mt. Dora, FL., 32757 with the Reverend Robert I Maurais officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LRMC Foundation, 701 N. Palmetto, Suite G, Leesburg, FL, 34748.

Allen J. Harden Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.