Ernest Sherman

EARNEST SHERMAN, son of the late Alice Rhodes and Herman Sykes, was born on November 9, 1929 in Durham, North Carolina. He departed this life on his 88th, birthday, November 9, 2017. Earnest gave his life to Christ and was a faithful member of Evangelical Baptist Church. He enjoyed worshiping and fellowshiping with his Evangelical Baptist Church family. Earnest received his education in North Carolina Public School Systems. In 1949, he joined the United States Army. After years of serving, he received Mercy Medical Center, where he retired. Earnest loved to stay active and did not stay retired long. In less than a year, he started a part-time job that he thoroughly enjoyed at Hartford Belair Rehabilitation Center. He worked there until he was 85 and wanted to return, but his health did not permit. Earnest, affectionately known as "Sherman", was known by many and loved by all. He had a heart of gold and sense of humor that would cause you to laugh even if you didn't want to. He was a true jokester. He was a sharp dresser and always coordinated his outfits with a matching hat. His smile and laugh would brighten any room. You may even get him a good day, and he would serenade you with his infamous one-line song," Let me tell you about the time I had". Earnest enjoyed spending time with his family and friends always kept a deck of cards near. He also loved watching his Westerns and Family Fued. There wasn't a Western that he hadn't seen and could quote them from beginning to the end. Earnest made friends wherever he went and there were some family members, who he held in high regard. Most notably was his cousin and his best friend, Jimmy Stowe. You would often catch them playing cards, watching TV, or nagging one another for fun. Cousin Dewayne "Wayne" Reddick and nephew David Hanis were always there to help him with whatever was needed. Cousin Mary Elizabeth spiritually guided him through his trials and tribulations of life and his devoted niece Dominique Terry, who claimed him as Pops. Earnest is preceded by his wife, Bettie Sherman; father, Herman Sykes; mother, Alice Rhodes; one sister, Peggy; two brothers, Thurman Lee and Larry; one daughter, Judy; two sons, Carlester "Ice" and Douglass; two grandsons, Lamonte and Sean Jr. He leaves to mourn; five sisters, Annette, Schellie; Delores, Emma Lee and Joyce; one sister-in-law, Helen; one brother, June; two brother-in-laws, Sam and Anthony; five daughters, Janet, Mary, Earnestine, Shirley and Tammie; five sons, Alphonso, Keith, James, Sean and Donnell; one son-in-law, William; one daughter-in-law, Grace; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Ernest Sherman

November 9, 1929 - November 9, 2017