Alphonso "Ronnie" Ervin

1950 - 2023

Ervin, Alphonso "Ronnie"
7/15/1950 - 8/16/2023
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Alphonso "Ronnie" James Ervin 73 years old of Ypsilanti, MI gained his heavenly wings on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, after a short battle with lymphoma where he was lovingly cared for by his sister Kathy Marie Slater.
Alphonso was born on July 15, 1950, in Savannah, GA to the parents of Alphonso and Gussie Mae Ervin. His family later migrated north to Ann Abor, Michigan in 1953 to live with his uncle Reverend Onsbe Wiley and Aunt Carrie Wiley.
Alphonso accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Anthony Robinson of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he was a long-time member, serving under the late Reverend Anthony Robinson and Rev. Maurice Gordon. During his latter years of life, he became a member of Abiding Love Community Church International under the leadership of Bishop Clifton Howard Jr. Ronnie loved both churches immensely and built solid familial relationships amongst both congregations. As such, Ronnie was known for his melodic voice in the choir where he was a faithful member. Whenever he led the solo "Two Wings" at St. Paul, he was sure to stir the Holy Spirit within the service. In addition, Ronnie offered support with the children during Vacation Bible School. The children loved him for his fun-loving, warm, and accepting personality to all who encountered him.
Ronnie graduated from Ann Arbor High School. He worked as a student-aide within the school district. Ronnie had a love for helping students in distress. He was employed as a chef in local restaurants and chef for the Escuela de Montessori School in Westchester, California where he resided for one year. He also had a passion for cooking and boy could he cook and barbeque! He always made these skills look so easy, and it taste so good.
Ronnie was known for his phone call ministry. He was sure to call and check on others just to ensure they were doing okay. You may have surely received a text message "This is Ron, call me ASAP!" Ronnie had his own creative way of sharing a story and adding a flavor of his own to the narrative. By the end of the conversation, you both would be sure to laugh. Ronnie's smile and kindness will be missed.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Gussie Mae Ervin and father Alphonso Ervin. Ronnie leaves to cherish in his memory his only son, the wonderful Jason Ervin, his sisters: Marilyn Wilburn (Albert), Carolyn Arnold (Irven), Kathy Slater and Edward Harris. He is also survived by his grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Alize, Jason, Khalil, Jalen and Corde and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 3630 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 on Thursday, August 24, 2023. The family hour will begin at 10:00 AM and Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.