Ernest E. Demby

Ernest Edgar Demby, Sr. was born February 18, 1940 to Mae Novella and Wilmore Demby. He was one of nine siblings who lived in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Ernest departed this life on November 11, 2011 after fighting a long and hard battle with cancer. At a young age, Ernest accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Ernest graduated from Bates High School in 1957. He was a very fast runner and the quarter-mile became his signature race in track and field competitions. Because of his speed and agility, he was nicknamed "Racehorse" for how he took the early lead when he ran the mile relay race. Ernest went to Morgan State University, where he studied history. As a result of being drafted in the US Army, Ernest was not able to complete his college career. In May of 1965, he honorably served in Vietnam where he won awards for “Soldier of the Month” and sharp shooting. Ernest loved singing with his brothers and sisters. Through their passion for singing, they formed the Open Heart Singers. Ernest was lead guitarist and was known for his rendition of “Hammer.” He always brought the congregations to their feet singing, clapping, and stomping their feet in praises to God. Ernest valued family more than anything else, and often was the catalyst for the annual Demby Family Reunion in honor of his mother, who kindly asked him to ‘keep the family together.’ Ernest was never without his camera, and if he caught you in on photo, he would always get you to take another. Through the years of taking photos, Ernest would often have “Family Night” where he would show slides of family members so they could watch themselves grow up right on the screen. In the late 1950’s, Ernest met Patricia A. Green and during a brief loving relationship, his first child was born, Denise. Ernest married Veronica Vuanita Green in 1965. During their union, 3 children were born, Pamela, Paisley and Phillip. In July 1966, Ernest finished his tour of duty in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged from the Army. He began a career with the Montebello Water Purification Plant in Baltimore City. Due to his commitment to serving God, he pursued a career in 1969 at General Motors that would allow him to honor the Sabbath. Ernest retired from GM in 2001, after 32 years of service. In 1971, Ernest became a disciple of Zion Baptist Church. He became “Deacon Demby” in 1980, until his illness no longer allowed him to perform the duties. He sang on the Senior Choir and often visited with the sick and shut in. He maintained discipleship until his passing. In 1978, Ernest joined in holy matrimony with Lillian McWilliams. From their union, two children Ernest Jr. and Crystal were born. They were married until Lillian preceded him in death on February 17, 2011. Ernest was passionate about family, singing, running, photography, and vacations. He shared a story, a song, or a mixture of both with everyone he came in contact with. Ernest leaves to cherish his memory his children: Denise Tilghman (Dujuan), Pamela Hatcher (Roderick), Paisley Demby (Nicole), Phillip Taylor (Lori), Ernest Demby, Jr. and Crystal Demby; His grandchildren: Lamar Clark, Taylor Tilghman, Deirdre Duncan, Nathan Mathis, Blake and Brylen Hatcher, Dillon and Mia Taylor. His brothers: Samuel and James Demby, and his sister E. Lavern Gaither. Brother-in-law Everett McWilliams, Sisters-in-Law Uwana and Cora Demby. Ernest also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, family and friends. The children of Ernest E. Demby would like to extend special gratitude to the family members for their love, caregiving and dedication that was given to our Dad. Family- when tomorrow starts without Dad, please try to understand…that an angel came, called his name, and took Dad by the hand and said “his place was ready in heaven far above and that he’d have to leave behind all those he dearly loves.” May God bless each family member and friend! Good-bye Dad- we will always love you!

Tributes

Ernest E. Demby

February 18, 1940 - November 11, 2011