Stacy Watkins Erb

Stacy Watkins Erb, 77, of Salisbury, NC passed away Monday, May 26, 2025 at TerraBella of Salisbury Memory Care. Stacy was born November 21, 1947 in Richmond, VA to the late Rose Stacy Watkins and Julian Carter Watkins. She obtained her master’s degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and Sonoma State University. She was a high school math and special education teacher as well as a steadfast advocate for women’s rights. Surviving is her husband of 54 years, Michael Erb; son, Marcus Erb and his wife Christine and daughters Audrey and Avery of Lafayette, CA; daughter, Allison Erb and husband Trent Jones of Roanoke, VA; and niece Michelle Salyers and husband Rich Frankel of Fishers, IN. Stacy grew up in the town of Emporia, VA where she formed lifelong friendships. Emporia never left her heart over the years, and she loved reminiscing about her friends and family there. After high school, she continued her education at St. Mary’s Junior College and then UNC Chapel Hill earning both an undergraduate and master’s degree. She formed friendships at both schools that last til this day. It was at Chapel Hill that she meet Mike whom she married December 19, 1970. They began their life together in Atlanta, GA where she taught high school math while Mike finished his education and entered the work force. Once they began their family, Stacy left teaching to become a full-time mom. It was at this time she became a strong advocate for women’s rights. She joined the National Organization Of Women focusing on lobbying the Georgia legislature — not an easy task for a woman in the early 1980’s! Stacy later moved with her family to the San Francisco Bay Area and returned to school for a master’s in special education. Shortly after the move, Mike was diagnosed with a rare cancer and Stacy devoted herself to helping Mike survive cancer and readjust after a life-saving multi-organ transplant surgery. Amazingly she completed her second master’s degree during this same time and then became a special resource teacher at the local high school. In response to a limiting school bureaucracy, Stacy forged a new path in starting her own company to focus on home schooling of children with special education needs. She continued this work until she and Mike retired in 2004 and moved to Mike’s hometown of Salisbury, NC. While in San Francisco, Stacy was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s — a progressive disease with no cure. She did not let this stop her as she continued to follow her twin passions of bird watching and fishing. She took many trips throughout the United States and Central America bird watching, plus spending time on her beloved Montana trout streams, costal North Carolina and High Rock lake. After retirement, she enjoyed many years living with Mike on High Rock Lake and pursuing her passions and making new friends in the process. Eventually the Parkinson’s progressed to the point she needed specialized care and she moved to the memory care unit of Terrabella of Salisbury. She lived a full life there until her health failed. Stacy had a love for others and always wanted to help those in need. She began a practice of taking people who had lost their mother under her wing, becoming a second mother to them. This continued until her Parkinson’s advanced to end stage. Stacy had a love of learning, pursing hobbies such as genealogy, reading, and quilting. She loved sports and never missed a chance to cheer for the Tar Heels. She loved spending time with her granddaughters, whether swimming, going to a baseball game, or singing a bedtime rendition of “Amazing Grace.” The family is planning a celebration of Stacy’s life to be held at a future date to be determined. We thank the amazing staff at Terrabella for allowing Stacy to finish her life journey in a caring and comfortable place. Also, we have great appreciation for Trellis Hospice staff for easing her journey from this world. In lieu of flowers we ask that you instead contribute to a charity of your choosing. Summersett Funeral Home will be serving the Erb family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Stacy Watkins Erb

November 21, 1947 - May 26, 2025