John H. Erkins, Sr.

Rev. John Erkins, Sr. was born on August 20, 1931 to the late Steve Erkins, Sr. and Albertha Erkins in Eufaula, AL.  Rev. Erkins passed away quietly at his home on August 14, 2024 in Eufaula, AL at the age of 92.    

From his early years he attended Britt Rosenwald School in Russell County,  Alabama.  He was baptized at a young age and was active with the Rocky Mt. Baptist Church until he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Rev. Erkins recognized his calling from God to preach the Gospel in 1978 where he was ordained at Freewill Baptist Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Rev. Erkins worked for A.O. Smith Auto Plant as an assemblyman for 30 years until his retirement.  He then returned to his home in Eufaula, AL in the mid-eighties. Continuing with his call to preach, Rev. Erkins supported many churches throughout Barbour County until he was called to Pastor Sandville Baptist Church in Eufaula, AL where he remained for about fifteen years. He was then called to Pastor Greengrove Baptist Church, Georgetown, Georgia. Rev. Erkins was a long-time member of NAACP, Branch 5075 in Eufaula and Vice Moderator for the Sandville District also in Eufaula.

Rev. Erkins was debonair in his clothing.  His overall appearance was one of effortless style, blending authority with a modern approach to spiritual elegance that commanded respect and attention. His laughter was so genuine and         infectious it caused others to laugh as well in pure delight and joy that ended in “Amen”.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 39 years, Levonia Erkins of Eufaula, AL; two daughters, Jacqueline Erkins Henry of  Haines City, FL,  Rosemary Erkins of Milwaukee, WI; two sons Kevin Erkins of Parkhill, KY and  Diaphantus Erkins of Milwaukee, WI, a step-son Anthony MacMillian (Minnie) of  Georgetown, GA, and a step-daughter Yoland King of Los Angeles, CA; a son John Erkins, Jr. (Margaret) who preceded him in death; three sisters,      Vernese Lathan of Columbus, OH, Julia Owens, of Eufaula, AL, Lynette  Franklin (James) of Columbus, OH; three brothers, Steve Erkins, Jr. of Eufaula, AL,  Moses Erkins (Vivian) of Eufaula, AL, James Erkins (Gloria) of Kosciusko, MS; seven sisters preceded him in death, Annie Thomas, Elizabeth Turner, Thelma Forte, Annie Walton, Adell Denson, Alma Cliatt, and Jessie Chisolm; one brother who preceded him in death, Wonderus Erkins.  Also mourning his death are a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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