Elder Ervin Keith, Jr.

Elder Ervin Keith, Jr. was born July 17, 1947 to Ervin Keith, Sr. and Elizabeth Crawford Keith in Lawton, Oklahoma. After the passing of his mother in 1959 his father married Mable Myers in 1963 who then became a loving mother to Ervin and his siblings. Elder Keith departed from this life to receive his heavenly reward on December 24, 2019 after a bout with pneumonia.

Ervin received his early education at Douglas in Lawton, Ok until he graduated in 1965.  He attended Bethel Church of God in Christ at an early age.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1965 where he proudly served his country for 2 years. He was an Airborne Infantry soldier that served one tour in Vietnam.  His awards include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, (2) Overseas Service Bars, Parachutist Badge, and a Marksman Badge.

He received his Bachelors Degree from Cameron University in 1971.  He was married to Demeta Keith, out of that union came his three children, Catreva (GA), Ervin III (OK), and Damien (OK).

After moving to Virginia he became a faithful member of St. Johns Church of God in Christ, Newport News under the leadership of the late honorable Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr. His service to the ministry was unwavering and dependable as he served as President of the New Members Training, President of New Members Sunday School, Chairman of the St. Johns Care Ministry (Visiting Sick & Shut In; Hospital, Nursing Homes), Member of St. Johns Upper Room,  and Member of Prayer & Bible Band.

During his spiritual development, he was anointed and licensed as an Elder in the National Churches of God in Christ, Inc. under presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake.

Elder Keith was a faithful and loyal employee of Eastern State Hospital (Williamsburg, VA), where he retired after 26 years of service.

At St. Johns Elder Keith met and married Brenda Lewis on December 1, 1990. Their union forever changed his life for the better.

Elder Keith’s love of Christ was evident in the life he led along with the love and guidance he gave to others. Each family member, church member and co-worker were near and dear to him.

Ervin is preceded in death by his loving wife Brenda Keith, his parents Elizabeth & Ervin Keith Sr.; Mable Myers; his brothers: Robert Keith & Benny Myers; Sisters: Dorothy Wilson, Faye Smith, and Peggy Butler; Niece: Diana Keith.

Ervin is survived by his loving children Catreva Chase (Wendell), Ervin Keith III (Mary), and Damien Keith (Natalie); four sisters Betty Marshall (TX), Jessie Phelps (VA), Bobbie Jean Samuel (VA), and Rose Pierce (OK); 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one godchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2020 at St Johns COGIC.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2020 at St. Johns COGIC, 2416 Orcutt Ave, Newport News, Virginia by Pastor Samuel L. Green, lll.

Interment with military honors will follow at Albert G. Horton, Jr, Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

It is the desire of the Keith/ Chase families that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of the late Elder Ervin Keith, Jr,  has entrusted his final care to the staff of C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

Full obituary information will be available soon. 

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