ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Reverend Harold Erving, 99, born on April 29, 1917 and passed away on November 11, 2016. We will remember him forever.

Eulogy by Audrey Farley (daughter)
 
Harold Emmanuel Erving died at the age of 99 years old. He was born on the 29th April 1917 to parents, George Erving and Hannah Stephenson in Jamaica. He is survived by sisters and brother - Constance, Violet, Venel and Vincent; his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as other members of the family.

Young Harold attended New Roads School, in Westmoreland, in his early years and teen years, Tales of his independence and leadership qualities were emergng then. Therefore, it is not surprising that at an early age he became restless, nurturing the desire to live in the town, not the 'New Roads' country where he was born. Even though he would miss family, he wanted to experience the seaport town of Savanna-La-Mar.

So in the 1930's he did go to live in Sav-La-Mar, in Westmoreland. There he might his future wife, Myrtle Scott soon after. As far back as then, he became God fearing and, serving God was never far from his mind. He soon became a member of the Sav-La-Mar  Apostolic church in the town. He showed a passion for the Lord which lasted throughout his life.

When 'Mas Harold,' proposed to Miss Myrtle she was already a confirmed Christian. So was happy when he too gave himself to the Lord. The young couple became proud parents of eight children - Joyce, Violet, Leslie, Leonard, Audrey, Hortense, the late Livingstone and Hyacinth. Then followed the grandchildren - Leroy, Dean and Margaret; Andrea, Joseph, Michael, Norman, Maria and Gary; Paul; Susan & Wayne; Richard & Sheldon. His great grandchildren, both here and abroad are too many to list. Suffice to say he was blessed with many. And, even held his newly-born great grandchild Amelia on his 99th birthday.

The 1950's found young Harold working as an entrepreneur in Jamaica. He would buy and sell haberdashery, to both tourists and locals to help to support his family. He was creative too making a range of objects of art from natural turtle shells.  He would heat then sculpt the shells into a variety of objects, such as brooches or spectacle frames. He produced highly-crafted, polished pieces that were snapped up by tourists and members of the community alike.

It was at this time too that he worked for the Sugar Industry at the Wharf near the Fort in Save-La-Mar, just a diversion here: maybe it was working by the sea that made him so healthy & energetic. Back then he exuded such strength and used to walk so fast, you'd need some 'Nutrament' to catch up with him!!!

A well presented man, he was particularly choosy about his clothes and always smart in appearance. He was especially neat and tidy. A disciplinarian he was too, the family would know about rules that were broken! He was old school, as the saying goes. One of Brother Erving's favourite pastimes was playing the harmonica, his repertoire included a wide range of gospel songs. The family would listen to them and sing along to them in harmony, well...sing along! His musical side also extended to playing the organ, the hymns and gospel songs often from memory. One of his favourite songs was Time's clock is striking the hour.

In the 1960's he came to England, as many did, after the war, to help to support his family back in Jamaica. He lived, at that time, in Wolverhampton with the Williams' - his caring sister and her husband (may they RIP). Over the years, the family bond remains as strong as the Christian bond. Later on, Brother Erving came to Nottingham, where he had family members on his wife's side and, of course, the Dillons. His independence was paramount to him and preferred to live on his own, He found employment at the Barton Transport Company until he retired.

April 30, 2023
April 30, 2023
I remembered your birthday today...Happy Birthday Grandad continue to Rest In Peace till your rising. You are greatly missed!
May 21, 2022
May 21, 2022
Still Missing You Grandad 2022!

The first year you past I regretted you not staying a few more months to celebrate your 100th birthday and getting that glorious telegram from the queen, it broke my heart but God knew best! Now it's ironic because quite a few birthdays have strewn past and autumn leaves have fallen, this week will be the queen's 70th Jubilee. This is just a reminder to say you will forever be dear in my heart and mind, miss you much grandad, love Andrea xxx
January 1, 2017
January 1, 2017
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and offer my condolence to the Erving family. Months have passed, as of yesterday.We all mourn for our loved ones, but especially when they have lived and loved for so long. Let healing continue with close family and friends. Let God give you lasting comfort and support. He promises you "For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope".(Jeremiah 29:11) May you constantly be reminded of his words, and may all enjoy Harold's memories.
December 1, 2016
December 1, 2016
I met Min Erving about 15 years ago. He was a very good man, like a father to us at church. You could ask him anything about God and church and he would be ready with an answer. He held on to what he believed... And if he held on to a view about something, he really held on to it. You couldn't change or shift him.
Min Erving was kind hearted and always had something to give. If you went to his home he would always say ' go in the kitchen and you'll see something in there...take it.'  I will miss Min Erving very much, but this is what he wanted, he was ready to go.  Sister Mavis Chulan, Bethel Apostolic Church, Nottingham
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
Greetings from Pastor Smith, and the Saints of Bethel United Apostolic Church, Low Hill, Wolverhampton,

It is with sadness yet with Divine favour that we write to pay our Respects and heap Tributes on the life of our fallen brother Minister Harold Erving, who has passed from this life, awaiting his Crowning day.

He was dearly loved, a powerful man of God, a good Servant to the Lord in his earthly Ministry. He will be greatly missed.

To his Family, we say be encouraged. Death has no terror over the blood-washed ones. Our prayers are with you.

Keep holding on.

Elder Jacob V. Smith (Pastor),
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
I have known Minister Erving for about 20 years. Such a lovely man, a good man but it pleased the Lord to take him home. Have you ever seen a big man cry? Minister Erving would often cry when he talked about the goodness of the Lord... He certainly loved the Lord. As the saying goes: Happy to meet but sorry to part, but while we miss him here, he is present with the Lord! From Deacon Isaac Mesquita, Bethel Apostolic Church, Derby.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
Minister Erving has been know to me since the 1960's. He loved the gospel and was a fatherly person to everyone. Always and encouraging. I will really miss him, at the prayer meetings and services. Minister Erving had a very good memory and could recite scriptures and sing whole songs without a book. We give God thanks because we know that he wanted to go to be with the Lord. We miss him but we hope to meet him again soon. Beloved brother, sleep and take your rest. Evangelist G Livingston, Bethel Apostolic Church, Derby.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
Minister Erving - I thank God for the life that you have lived. The Lord has chosen to take you home, but we will meet you there on that bright and glorious day. Sister H Welcome, Bethel Apostolic Church, Derby
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
Minister irving, what can I say; I remember when i first met you it was clear that your love for love for God was second to none. You could not talk enough about the goodness of the Lord in your life. You have taught me so much. You will never be forgotten. Sleep on, we will meet again.

Evangelist Deveen Smith Derby.
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
A truly beautiful soul has left us...you lit up a room, injected so much life into a service and made hearts smile. Fellowship services would not have been complete without a song from you and even in your old age, your energy put most to shame. My heart is heavy but I can't help but smile and be grateful that I've been privileged to have known you all of my life. Rest in eternal peace and see you on the other side

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Recent Tributes
April 30, 2023
April 30, 2023
I remembered your birthday today...Happy Birthday Grandad continue to Rest In Peace till your rising. You are greatly missed!
May 21, 2022
May 21, 2022
Still Missing You Grandad 2022!

The first year you past I regretted you not staying a few more months to celebrate your 100th birthday and getting that glorious telegram from the queen, it broke my heart but God knew best! Now it's ironic because quite a few birthdays have strewn past and autumn leaves have fallen, this week will be the queen's 70th Jubilee. This is just a reminder to say you will forever be dear in my heart and mind, miss you much grandad, love Andrea xxx
January 1, 2017
January 1, 2017
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and offer my condolence to the Erving family. Months have passed, as of yesterday.We all mourn for our loved ones, but especially when they have lived and loved for so long. Let healing continue with close family and friends. Let God give you lasting comfort and support. He promises you "For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope".(Jeremiah 29:11) May you constantly be reminded of his words, and may all enjoy Harold's memories.
His Life

I've Got 99 Problems!

May 21, 2022
Year after year we'd get that dreaded phone call in the middle of the night summoning us to grandad's flat to be informed 'this is my last time!' He would give specific instructions in a strong healthy voice as to his wishes in death - one year we were called and I kept my bed scarf on! He would do this ceremoniously year after year until it got to the point where we'd consciously ignore comments on his own mortality.

Sadly September 2016 he went into hospital for a few weeks and never returned. We knew then he was telling the truth. All we wanted to do was to fulfill his wishes; prayer was available for the soul not just the body - he wanted to go home! Now we have 99 problems because he is not here but suffering is gone. He rests in deep slumber waiting for the king of kings.

I Love You Grandad Rest In Heavenly Peace. xxx
Recent stories

Birthday celebrations...

November 27, 2016

Amelia got to meet her Great Grandad... celebrating his 99th birthday.

Birthday celebrations...

November 27, 2016

Got to spend time with Grandad Erving as we celebrated his 98th birthday.  

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