Rev. Elvin L. Ervin

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Rev. Elvin L. Ervin, died with his family at his side at 12:35 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2008 in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Rev. Ervin was born Nov. 6, 1949 in Manila to Herbert and Audrey F. (Mayner) Ervin. He married Velda (Tatum) on Aug. 1, 1970 in Lapeer, Mich. He was founder and pastor of Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin and also pastored Christ Church in Mt. Vernon. He formerly pastored the Bush Apostolic Church and West Monroe Street Apostolic Church in Herrin. He had a burden to help start churches in Apoura Surinam, South America. He oversaw construction of several churches for missionaries and in 2005 evangelized in Orealla Sipurata, Guina.

Survivors include, his wife Velda Ervin of Herrin; father, Rev. Herbert Ervin of Johnston City; daughter and son-in-law, Ramona and Rev. Terry Griffith of Herrin; son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Marilyn Richardson of Colp; son, Nathan V. Richardson of Cave Creek, Ariz.; son, Derek L. Ervin of Chicago, Ill.; six grandchildren, Dustin and Jordan Griffith of Herrin, Kayla, Michal, Lissa and Emaleigh Richardson of Herrin. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral services were held at noon May 3 in Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin with Rev. Stan Mitchell officiating. Interment was in in Herrin City Cemetery under the direction of Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City.

Memorial contributions may be made to South America Missions.