Anna Bernice Shouse Ervin was born November 25, 1926 in Forsyth County, North Carolina to the late John Henry and Minnie Lee Bitting Shouse. She was the fourth of nine children. Anna was called to her eternal home at the age of 92, on December 29, 2018.

As the fourth of nine children, and having two strong, wise parents, Anna developed skills and values that positively impacted her life, as well as the lives of many others. She graduated from Carver High School and attended Winston-Salem Teachers' College. Though economic challenges prevented Anna from completing her college education, she encouraged her children and others to always seek higher learning opportunities. To ensure that her children could attend the college of their choice, Anna took a job at Thomasville Furniture Industries, where she worked in various assembly line positions until her retirement. She was the recipient of the company's prestigious Presidential Award for service and commitment to her job.

Strong Christian values demonstrating love for family and fellow man were evident in Anna's life. She had a kind, generous, nurturing spirit which led to her being blessed in her latter years by many who called her their "Mom." Anna was a life-long member of Bethania A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served in many positions over the years. She was actively involved in holding leadership or membership in the following: Young Ys/YAMS, Home Missions Missionary Society # 1, Do Better Club, Senior Choir, Scholarship Committee, Stewardess, Life Member Lay Council, Delegate to District and Annual A.M.E. Zion Conference, devoted member and Sunday School teacher.

Her community involvement included advocating and collecting funds for various causes. She also distributed and collected donations for national charities such as the March of Dimes. Anna was also known for blessing friends, relatives and neighbors on special occasions with her delicious cakes. Anna unselfishly gave of her time, talent and treasures, sowing into and making a difference in the lives of many. She left a legacy that will impact lives for generations to come. Joseph and Anna Scholarship Fund was established by a granddaughter Candrice Oliver (Khalif) in 2018 to benefit students at Winston-Salem State University.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by two sons, Raymond Littlejohn Jr. and Wayne Littlejohn; two sisters Margaret Scales and Esther Ambrose; four brothers, Johnnie Shouse, Grady Shouse, William Shouse, and Henry Shouse.

Anna leaves to cherish her memories, Joseph Franklin Ervin, her beloved husband of nearly 69 years; two devoted daughters Pamela Nolan of Winston-Salem, NC and Renda Perry (Floyd), Charlotte, NC, a faithful son Phillip Littlejohn (Winston-Salem, NC); two daughters in-law Barbara Littlejohn of Gardena, CA and Nettie Littlejohn of Winston-Salem, NC; eight grandchildren, Justin Perry (Lee), Jeanelle Perry, and Joseph Perry, all of Charlotte NC, Ashley Nolan of Winston-Salem, NC, Candrice Oliver (Khalif) of Cary, NC, Pia Hardy of Winston-Salem, NC, Bryan Littlejohn (Casondra) Raleigh, NC, Raymond Littlejohn III of Gardena, CA; nine great-grandchildren, Justin Jr. and Stella Anna Perry, Skyler Nolan, Jacob Oliver, Camryn Littlejohn, Gavin and Grayson Hardy, Bryson and Carlyn Littlejohn. Also cherishing her memories are two loving sisters, Hannah Eldridge and Mollie McClain, Winston-Salem, NC; three sisters in law, Doris Shouse, Mary Abbott, Minnie Ervin, all of Winston-Salem, NC; one brother in-law, Jakay Ervin of Winston-Salem. Anna was also blessed to have two "adopted" daughters, Dr. Theresa Johnson, Princess Sellers; one official godson, D.J. Jones; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and loving children who called her "Mom."

Mrs. Ervin's family will greet friends beginning 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment in Bethania AME Zion Church Cemetery.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here