Mr. Jakay W. Ervin, Sr., 89, transitioned on to glory on January 1, 2021. He was a beloved and celebrated Husband, a devoted Father, Grandfather, loyal Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and dedicated Friend. Jakay was a giving, gentle, hardworking advocate for education. He always encouraged others to be and do the best they could. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and often had a story to tell of the history of life and the community.

He surrendered his life to Christ at an early age and dedicated himself to the service of the Father through his exemplary love of family and people, no matter their status in society. He had a genuine love for others and the community that was second to none. He was a devoted member of Goler Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church where he served on the Cathedral Choir and he recently spearheaded and directed the Men's Chorus Group. He was a member of the Winston Salem's Men's Booster Ministry. Over his lifetime he has served on numerous church boards and committees beginning at Bethania A.M.E. Zion Church where he was a Trustee, Treasurer, Choir Director and the Chairman of the church rebuilding committee. He was faithful to the A.M.E. Zion Organization. He was a Troop Leader of the Boy Scouts of America at Bethania A.M.E. Zion Church.

He married the Queen of his dreams, Minnie Jarrett Ervin, on December 28, 1955 and just celebrated their anniversary of 65 blissful years. From their union came their son, Jakay W. Ervin, Jr. (Carolyn); daughter, Rosa Ervin Adams (Chris); and a Grandson, Jakay W. Ervin, III "Trey" (Ashley) all of the city.

Born in Bethania, NC to Rosa Belle Dalton and Butler Ervin, he was the 3 rd child of a second set of children, totaling 16. He attended the historic Oak Grove School (Bethania Community School) – a one room school in Old Town Township (which he was very instrumental in preserving as a historical landmark). He later attended Forsyth County schools, graduating from The Carver High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in 1958 from Winston Salem Teacher's College, currently Winston Salem State University, where he became a devoted member of the WSSU Ramily. While at WSSU, he became a loyal member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Delta Alpha Chapter Winston Salem, NC. He later became a member of the graduate chapter, Delta Sigma Chapter. He was the oldest living member having served 65 years. He was a member of the music department and masterfully played the trumpet under the tutelage of Dr. Dillard. Jakay had an unending love for WSSU until his last breath. He and his wife always supported the university in whatever way they could with much joy and vigor. One of his favored passions was the sports department. They often traveled to and were often seen at sports events cheering on the Mighty Rams. Their annual vacation was spent at the CIAA Tournament for over 50 years. They were dedicated members of the Chancellor Elwood Robinson's Elite Donors Circle, the WSSU Horns, the WSSU Hoops, Lifetime members of the WSSU National Alumni Association and the local chapter of the Winston-Salem Chapter of the Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association.

Jakay served in the United States Marine Corp where he was a Korean War Veteran. He earned the National Defense Service Medal.

He continued his love for education and pursued his goal to obtain his master's degree from neighboring A&T State University. In addition to being a Sigma man, he was also a member of the American Legion Post 220, the American Legion Boys State, the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, A Lord of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., The Twin City Choristers, and the Carver School Alumni Choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marie Mitchell, brother Wilson Ervin, and Sister-in-law Anna Ervin. He leaves to cherish his legacy his wife, children, grandson, Brother Joseph Ervin, Sister Evangelist Mary Ervin Abbott, devoted daughter Robin B. Ervin, a dedicated colleague Vester Porter, Lil' Brother Vernard Bowie, a devoted brother/friend Carl Miller and a host of relatives, diligent singing brothers, and many friends.

A public viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 from 11:00am – 6:00pm at the Clark S, Brown & Sons Funeral Home. 727 Patterson Ave. Winston Salem, NC 27105. A Private Homegoing celebration will be available for viewing on the Clark S Brown & Sons FNRL HM Facebook page on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 @ 11:00am.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Novant Health Medical Center, Novant Health Oncology Specialists, Alliance Urology Specialists of Greensboro, especially Drs. Dilley, Lyalls, Boyden, McClain, Shearer (Nurse Kay) and Givens.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Capital Reserve of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church 1435 E. 4 th Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101.