Obituary of Erna Emma Mueller

Born in Germany just 9 years prior to the SecondWorld War, Erna born Erna Geist, had little opportunity in school during the bomb raids and terrible conditions of the war.  The only child of her father and mother, she was sent away to live with her aunt until 9 years old where she worked on a farm.  Returning home at 9, to a mother now married to George Mueller, she immediately became the sister of 3 other siblings, Louise, Helmut, and Wiley; all surviving in Germany. After delivering a son in 1955 who was very sick, Richard Mueller, she provided care for him through an adoption agency.  Seeking a better life, Erna moved to the United States in 1956, working for a family in their home in Skokie, IL.  After 5 years, she moved to New York City where she met Louis Cooper, who she would eventually marry and love until his demise in the late 1990’s.  In 1984, Erna got the surprise of her life when her son, then 29 years old, who had searched the world for her, had found her and had shown up on her doorstep.  This began a new God-ordained relationship that would last until her passing.  Her son, having been successfully adopted by a set of African American parents who loved and cared for him, to the glory of God, bought and moved her and her husband into a home in Forestville, MD from Brooklyn in 1997 where in her retiring years as a seamstress, she was able to continuously enjoy her passion of knitting.  Literally having made thousands of items including sweaters, socks, scarfs and hats, Erna was well known at the Sunday Eastern Market open air vendor community.  For almost 20 years Erna would brave the cold temperatures of November and December 8 hours outdoors to sell her creations; always pleased with the results.  Her husband Louis Cooper would pass in 1999 and she would later marry Edward Davis, whom she met in church.  She loved her church and especially the Seniors of which she belonged for so many years.  The Seniors will miss her; especially her dear and faithful friends Peggy and Janet.  Her grandsons Brian, David, and Philip will miss her.  Her surviving son, rejoices for the life she gave him, and the relationship God was able to bring back and flourish together.  May she rest in peace.