Emma Sue Lawson Osborne

Erma Sue Lawson Osborne, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, surrounded by her family in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was 81 years old.

Born in Danville, Kentucky, Erma lived a life filled with laughter, pets, and independence. Those who knew her will remember her opinions, her love of animals, her short but feisty stature, and the way she easily laughed at herself.

After graduating from St. Joseph Infirmary School of Nursing, Erma worked for over 40 years where she cared for hospital, nursing home, and home health patients. She was also known for rescuing animals of all sorts…opossums, roosters, squirrels, cats and dogs to name a few.

She is survived by her two children, Laura Greene (Todd), and Kristopher Bryant (Heather Wiliford); her five grandchildren Tucker, Tate, Whitney, Ruthie, and Kamryn; sister-in-law, Gretta Lawson; nephews, Jeff Lawson (Holly Rosson), and Jonathan Lawson (Elaine); great- nephews, Brandon Lawson and Zachary Lawson; and great-nieces, Abigail Vermilyea (Jim), and Alexandria Lawson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Maxine (Williams) Lawson; and her brother, Ronald Lawson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee.

Erma’s family owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Robert Alley of Summit Medical Group, to the wonderful caregivers at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Powell, Tennessee, to the University of Tennessee Medical Center Hospice Services, and a host of others.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 PM Saturday, November 22nd with the Celebration of Erma’s Life to follow at 4 PM on Saturday at Atchley’s Seymour Chapel, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, Tennessee 37865. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.

Erma’s warmth and humor will live on in the countless lives she touched.