Virginia Ervin

July 3, 1929 - March 4, 2025

Davidson, North Carolina - Ruby Virginia Rochelle Ervin, 95, of Davidson passed away March 4, 2025 at Novant Medical Center in Huntersville. She was born July 3, 1929 in Newport News, Va. to the late Dennis and Virginia Rochelle and was the eldest of six children.

Virginia grew up in Jersey City, NJ and moved to her father's hometown of Durham, NC with her family in 1948. This Italian beauty caught the eye of a young UNC student, Winfred "Win" Ervin, whom she wed in 1949 as he was entering UNC Law School. Their 72 year union produced five children, 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

The couple moved to Charlotte in 1952 where Win began practicing law. The young growing family soon found a second home in Ocean Isle Beach. They built their first cottage in 1959 at a time when the island was only accessible by a two-car ferry. In the early 1960s Virginia served on the initial town council. They spent most weekends at their beloved OIB for decades until Win's retirement in the late 1980s.

In the early 1960's Virginia enrolled at Charlotte College, now UNC Charlotte, where she studied foreign languages. Her home welcomed numerous students and professors, along with their cultures and cuisines.

Win and Virginia moved from Charlotte to Lake Norman in 1969. They entertained family and friends, hosting cookouts, neighborhood parties and long days spent on the lake. The Ervin house was a bustling hub for the children and their cousins and friends. Her community service extended far beyond the coast. She was an integral part of bringing the first medical clinic to the North Mecklenburg area in the 1970s and helped spearhead the first Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, she raised funds to build the Lake Norman YMCA in Davidson and served on numerous PTA boards for over 20 years.

After Win retired from his law practice they moved to Vero Beach, Fl, enjoying summers at their Blowing Rock mountain house. In 2018 they made their final move to Williams Place retirement community in Davidson where they made many new and dear friends.

Virginia was known and admired for her outgoing spirit, style, zest for life and her never-ending love of family and friends. Her wit and intelligence made time with her a joy, as she was always available to lend advice or a helping hand. When not traveling, canning Win's homegrown vegetables, painting or spending time with family and friends, she enjoyed reading the latest novel and honing her technology skills with the help of her grandchildren. From hosting dinner parties, teaching her children Italian cuss words, creating children stories and smoking the occasional cigar, she had a unique ability to make life fun and interesting.

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, her beloved brother Dennis Rochelle, Jr., sister Grace Abernethy and her parents. She is survived by her children Winfred "Fred" Ervin, Jr (I-Mei), Rob Ervin (Jan), Liz Thomason (Michael), Elaine Kerns (Robert) and Ginger Griffin (Larry) and her grandchildren Christopher Ervin, Neil Ervin, Blake Ervin (Robin), Chad Ervin (Danielle), Lauren Thomason, John Thomason, Leigh Thomason Hale (Sebastian) Morgan Kerns Greer (Paul), Erin Kerns Vazquez (Nelson), Leah Griffin O'Connor (Michael), Blair Brannon Dwyer (Timmy), Haley Griffin and Trey Griffin (Shreya). She is also survived by her sister Elaine Davis and brothers Neil Rochelle and Stanley Rochelle. Her legacy will also live on through her precious 14 great grandchildren.

Her celebration of life and a following reception will be held Saturday, March 8 at 5 pm at James Funeral Home in Huntersville.

Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com