Ernest Ferrell

1946 - 2026

Ernest Mug Ferrell

Aug 22, 1946 - Mar 8, 2026

Elyria

The Illustrious Brother Ernest "Mug" Ferrell was called home to rest Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was born August 22, 1947, in Shubuta, Clarke County, Mississippi, to Tanner and Annie B. Ferrell. Ernest accepted Christ at an early age and united with Bethlehem Baptist Church in Wayne County, Waynesboro, Mississippi.

He graduated from George Washington Carver High School in the Class of 1966, and in 1969, he relocated to Sandusky, Ohio, where he joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Rev. Eddy Henry. He was employed by Ford Motor Company in Lorain for 40 years, retiring in 2009, after which he enjoyed working at Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Guardians games. On January 17, 1979, Brother Ferrell joined the Most Worshipful Buckeye Grand Lodge, Grand Senior Warden and Grand King Solomon Order of Masons, where he remained a faithful and devoted Mason until his transition. On April 2, 1988, he united in marriage with Esline Townsend and relocated to Elyria. After moving, he became a member of Bethel Logos Christian Fellowship in Oberlin.

Ernest leaves to cherish his love and legacy three children, Letoya McCarty Bennett of Lorain, Jerrell (Anita) Rankins of Waynesboro, Mississippi, and Natasha Smith of Sandusky; along with three bonus children, Mike (Nikki) Townsend of Blacklick, Tara Rollison of Sandusky, and Morna (Tommy) Thompson of Columbus. He is also survived by a sister, Angela (Calvin) Payne of Columbus, Georgia; two brothers, Alexander Willis of Lithonia, Georgia, and Lindsey (Lucy) Willis Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida; 13 grandchildren, Dominique, London, Jerrell Jr., Keilah, Jordan, Azyah, Aschele, Michael (MJ), Tyler, Aaron, Trae, Mia, and Jonathan; six great-grandchildren; his special niece and caregiver, Erica Ferrell-Harris; caregiver, Natasha Hunter; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Esline Townsend Ferrell; three brothers, Melvin Ferrell, Rayfus Ferrell, and Howard (Percy) Ferrell; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home, 1814 Milan Road, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Funeral services will begin at noon Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Sandusky.