Rev. Era S. Ferrell

Era ShirlEy FErrEll was born in Douglassville, Georgia on November 10, 1914. She departed this life on Friday, July 11, 2014. Rev. Ferrell was reared by two devoted Christian parents, the Late Bessie L. Ferrell and the Late Edward Aaron Ferrell. She was the fifth of eleven children. With a desire to pursue better opportunities for themselves and for their children, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1923. They settled down in the beloved family home located in the 1500 block of West Lexington Street where Rev. Ferrell lived for over 75 years. With a devoted Christian mother helping to guide the family, finding a good church home for the family was a priority. The family united with the Allen A.M.E. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Robert Soloman Stansbury. It was under his leadership in July 1934 that the family marched from Allen A.M.E. Church to their new location at Lanvale and Carrollton Streets to become charter members of the Emmanuel Christian Community Church (ECCC). Rev. Ferrell was educated in the public schools of Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School where she pursued courses in Business Administration and Commercial Law. Her commitment to academic excellence continued throughout her adult life. She attended the Cortez Peters Business School and Coppin Teachers College, taking advanced studies in Business Administration; she attended evening classes at the Baltimore College of the Bible where she was recognized as an honor student; she also attended City College for Public Speaking and Parliamentary Procedure. Rev. Ferrell didn't keep all the knowledge she obtained to herself, she shared her knowledge, gifts and talents with her community. Her genuine love for God and her fellowmen led her to open an independent Public Relations Office at 1530 West Lexington Street. This small venture grew to become a huge mission of service, and she was often quoted with saying "My community services are not measured in terms of dollars and cents. The joy and satisfaction derived from faithfully serving the community and elsewhere are far greater than financial rewards." For many years she faithfully remained a cornerstone for the community and served as a Consultant and Advisor. In her official capacity as Notary Public, her work consisted of authenticating transfers, administering oaths, exercising power of attorney in legal procedures, and representing the interests of those persons who had no support or representation. In many cases, it was necessary for her to administer help to the sick spiritually as well as legally. Distinct service to the community was rendered by Rev. Ferrell and her actions throughout her lifetime were characterized by great humility. Leaving no stone unturned, Rev. Ferrell continued to serve her community in various capacities throughout her life. For nearly 20 years she conducted a neighborhood Bible school out of her home for children and anyone who shared a desire to learn about the Word of God. Additionally, Rev. Ferrell served as a judge at the voting polls for 20 years; volunteered in the Baltimore Public School System as a Substitute Teacher for more than 20 years; she collected eye glasses and jewelry for those in need and shipped the donations to poor countries around the world. In recognition for their outstanding community service endeavors, Rev. Ferrell and her mother, Bessie L. Ferrell, were honored in 2004 by Mayor Kurt L. Schrnoke, and the City Council of Baltimore. Their portraits are memorialized in an enormous wall mural on permanent display at Fulton Avenue and Mulberry Streets. This timeless work of art reflects their historic significance to the West Baltimore community. Rev. Ferrell's service to her community did not stop there, her desire to share God's Word extended into her faithful service as a member at Emmanuel. As a member, she served in various capacities. Her love for sharing God's Word and working with children made her the ideal candidate to be selected as Superintendent of Emmanuel's Sunday School Department where she served for fifteen years. She also served as President of the Emmanuel Christian Endeavor League for thirteen years. In March, 1953, she commenced to head the junior Church for two years. Later, Rev. Ferrell told the pastor, the Late Rev. Dr. Wilbur H. Waters, that God had called her to preach. She was given a date for her trial sermon and delivered her first message in October, 1952. She was appointed by Rev. Waters as the leader of the junior Church. She became a member of The Emmanuel Circle, The Annie Batson Bible Class, The Business Peoples' Council, and ultimately given the designation of Mother of the Church in 1996. Rev. Ferrell traveled with the United Community Church in Chicago, Illinois. The Council convened at the Progressive Christian Community Church in 1952 under the Late Rev. Dr. Winters. Three ministers were ordained and set apart for the ministry. Rev. Era S. Ferrell was one of them. Her faithful service marks her as the exemplification of the Christian endeavor. Rev. Ferrell continued preaching as the head of the junior Church. She did her job "to the best of her ability". After years of proven dedication to God and the Emmanuel Church, Rev. Ferrell was asked by the Late Rev. Dr. Waters to serve in the main assembly. Upon the passing of Rev. Waters, she served as Minister Pro tern for 21 months. She was succeeded by the Late Rev. Dr. Sidney Daniels. Rev. Ferrell continued to perform all of the duties and responsibilities assigned to her with distinction, grace and integrity. She often mentioned to family and friends that she was profoundly grateful to Dr. Waters and to all those who inspired and encouraged her in her religious training. Rev. Ferrell's dynamic leadership, self reliance, hard work, sense of responsibility, endurance, willingness to share, helpfulness, generosity and love for God and her fellowmen, have endeared her to neighbors, family and friends alike. She has been a blessing and a benediction to all who knew her. No sacrifice was too great for her to make on behalf of her family and fellowmen. Not only her family, but also her neighbors, friends and church members rise up and call her "blessed." Without a doubt, she has left her footprints in the sands of time. Today and in the years to come, we can emulate the many excellent qualities which were reflected in her life. Her survivors include: her sister, Rev. Dr. Clyde F. Leadum, nieces: Peggy L. Ferrell, Melanie S. Dunbar, Corenthia Waller, Josephine Storrs, Adrienne Melcher, Adrienne Witherspoon; and Juliet Ferrell; nephews: James K. Melcher, Carlos Price, Steven Ferrell, Charles Ferrell and a host of other relatives and friends. O

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Rev. Era S. Ferrell

November 10, 1914 - July 11, 2014