ETRULA MARSH ERWIN was born Jan. 21, 1951, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, and departed her life on Dec. 8, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Erwin is the daughter of the late Lonnie and Dora Ratliff Marsh.
She attended Winchester Elementary School in Monroe, North Carolina and Edwards Elementary School in Chesterfield, South Carolina and graduated from Laurinburg Institute (high school) in Laurinburg, North Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in tory from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
Erwin was an educator in North Carolina and South Carolina for over 35 years. She taught middle and high school in Lenior, Monroe and Wadesboro, N.C. She served as an assistant principal at Anson Middle School and principal at Morven Elementary School. She had a passion for teaching and later returned to the classroom and taught history at Chesterfield/Ruby Middle School, New Heights Middle School and Central High School, all in the Chesterfield County School District.
Erwin joined West Deep Creek Baptist Church, a church where her grandfather donated the land and served as one of the early ministers, at an early age.
After college and during her early career, she returned home to care for her mother. She has been a good and faithful active member serving on the following committees: Sunday School Committee; Co-Chairperson Youth Missionary and the Black History Program; Audio- Visual Committee; Music Committee Ministry; Senior Choir, President; By-Laws Committee Chairperson; Founder’s Day Committee Chairperson; 150th Anniversary Committee, Co- Chairperson; Adult Sunday School Teacher; Vacation Bible School Teacher; Senior Citizen group; Kitchen Committee; Adult Missionary Circle and Father’s Day Program, Chairperson.
She also serves as the treasurer and past secretary for the Pilgrim Chapter #244 Order of the Eastern Star, following the footsteps of her mother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Edward Erwin.
She leaves to cherish her son, Jarius Erwin, Wadesboro, NC; extended family, Rochelle “Tiger” (Clinton) Lewis, Charlotte, NC, and Lord Edward Lonnie Marsh,Charlotte, NC; one sister, Lonnette Marsh, High Point, NC; sisters-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Betty Erwin and Johnnie Erwin both of Charlotte, NC; brother-in-law, Jesse (Betty) Erwin, Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Aubri Erwin, Skylar Erwin and Quantel Erwin of Wadesboro, NC; (relationship) Johnathan Lewis, Charlotte, NC; three aunts, Rosa Lee Robinson, Charlotte, NC, Dorothy "Cookie" Marsh, Greensboro, NC and Delphian Marsh, Charlotte, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.
Erwin has taken her place at the great classroom in the heavens were she is teaching Black history, a subject she loved.
The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Erwin will be on Saturday, December 18, 2021, 2:30pm, West Deep Creek Baptist Church, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow in the family plot of the church cemetery.
The Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 2:00-2:30pm at West Deep Creek Baptist Church.
The public viewing for Mrs. Erwin will be on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 3:15-6:00pm at Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
The family request that Face Mask/Coverings be worn and social distancing practiced.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Erwin. I will forever remember the joy that she brought to us at Anson Middle School.
Mrs. Etrula Erwin will truly be missed. We became friends in the early 2000's. Her presence and positive attitude was always encouraging. She was beautiful inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with Jarius and the family. Rev. Renee Bennett Bethea
Condolences to Etrula's family and friends. Barbara Bennett Cheeks
My deepest and sincere sympathy to the Etrula Erwin family. We shared a close bond for many years as church associates, co=workers and friends. We co-chaired many activities and projects together and she is loved by my family. I will miss those late night telephone calls and editing presentations. As our husbands would state, good bye Abbie
Miss Erwin will certainly be missed my condolences and prayers are with the families I remember her beautiful smile and cheerful heart when she would visit Watts Grove MBC Monroe,NC her smile was contagious she and I would often greet one another or talk I can't be there today because my bro-in-law brother Steve Hammonds home going is today also in wadesboro may God bless the Marsh/ Erwin family and give them strength and peace in Jesus name Sis.Mary Firms Watts Grove MBC
My prayers and thoughts are with Lonnette and the family of Mrs. Etrula Marsh Erwin. Such a wonderful and engaging individual. She will be missed by all she touched over the years.
Mrs. Erwin will truly be missed. She was loved by many...teachers and students at Anson Middle School. Rest easy, my friend! Praying for her son, Jarius!! 🙏🏾❤️
I was so saddened to hear of my cousin Etrula's passing. Etrula was definitely one of a kind with a larger than life personality. She will always be remembered as an educator at heart. Etrula was such a motivator for success to all of the students that she taught throughout her teaching career. Leticia Lowery
Mrs. Etrula my friend and church family I will truly miss the woman of GOD. She was a true leader always given me encouraging words. She would say to me "That's my buddy he better be treating you right." My heart is a little heavy missing a true friend. Fly my "ANGEL" let your wings soar someday we will meet again. Linda Teal WDCMBC
Lonnette and family, I am saddened by the loss of my friend Etrula. I will miss seeing her from time to time while out and about. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Etrula Erin. She was my high school roommate. She will be missed.
Condolences to the family.—Pat Sowell, Central High School retired educator
Etrula will be greatly missed. I have known Etrula for many years and first met her in 1965 when I married my husband, Perry. Etrula and Perry were first cousins. Etrula would often stop by our house to visit us. Perry had become sick and visually impaired. Her enthusiasm and positivity would always help to lift the mood of our entire family. R.I.P. Etrula. Delois Lowery
Condolences to the family sending hugs and prayers 🙏
Mrs. Erwin will be missed. The faculty, staff, and students at Central High School were lucky to have known her.
It hurted my heart to hear about the passing of Mrs. Erin. She was truly a blessing to some of the students in the Anson county school system, especially mines. She's going to be missed dearly. My prayers go out to the family
Loss for words. My prayers are with the family. We attended North Carolina Central University ,Class of 1972.We stayed in the same Residental Hall and the same floor . I am from Badin ,NC. I am still living in Dutham NC.
Mrs. Erwin will be missed dearly, the impact she had over students especially at Anson middle. Its been well over 20yrs since stepping foot on campus as a 7th grader and I still remember her standing there. Rest well lady.. peace and blessing to the family.
Mrs. Erwin was a very smart, kind, friendly, and loving person to be around. I worked with her many years at Anson Middle School. We had lots of enjoyable conversations and laughter. May GOD continue to comfort the family and know that she is at PEACE. ---Susan Sturdivant-Little
Etrula and I grew up in Monroe , she on Massey St and me on Fourth St. Oh what fun we had ! She was a special person and friend , witty , smart and loyal. Remained friends through the years , rest in paradise.
I remember when I had her for my social study teacher she would all ways get on me every time I did wrong or talk to me every time I got in trouble or the conversations we would have when we saw each other I'm going to miss her fly high until we meet again
Our sincere condolences to The Erwin, Marsh Family, WDCMBC Church & Friends. May God Comfort & Grant Each of You Peace.... Rest In Paradise Etrula, Fly High Like An 🦅 Your Cousin, Barbara A. Ratliff & Family
Mrs. Erwin helped shaped me as the life long learner and educator that I am today. She had heart and soul and wasn't afraid to speak life to us as former students. We felt like she was an extension of our families as she would correct us and love on us in the same breath. She made such a positive impact in my life and will be sorely missed.
Prayers for the family of mrs.Erwin.enjoyed working with her at the middle school.Addie Maxwell an family
Mrs. Erwin was a very special lady. May she Rest In Peace. My condolences to her family.
I'm sorry to hear of Mrs. Ewrin passing. She was so a sweet Lady and I enjoyed her talks at the Pig store in SC. May she rest in Peace.
She was a cheerful, happy and joyful person. Very kind and sweet to a lot of people. I will miss my friend. Keeping the family in Prayer. You have my deepest condolences.
Elaine Harrell-Cranford and Family
I knew Mrs. Erwin at Central High. I enjoyed having lunch with her for the last couple of years. She was truly no-nonsense kind of teacher. They don't make'em like her anymore! I miss you-enjoy dancing and rejoicing in your new pain free body! Godspeed. Becky Wetzel
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Erwin, my daughter had her as a teacher at Central High in SC, but never got to meet her, I also had her in high school, she was a very loved teacher who took no mess from the students. She will truly be missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing her.
Loss for words..sadden by the loss she will truly be missed.My Condolence's to the family
So sorry to learn of Mrs. Ervin's death. Enjoyed knowing her when working with her in Anson County Schools. Sympathy to her family.
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss. Etrula had a very kind spirit and will be missed. Praying that God will comfort the family during this difficult time. Gwendolyn Ratliff-Jordan
Etrula and I attended Laurinburg Institute together for 4 years back in the 60's. I was so happy a few years ago to locate her on social media and called her school one day and surprisingly got to talk with her. I got to see her at a gathering in Laurinburg about a year later. She will be missed by her LI family. Etrula was well loved by her schoolmates. Rest in peace our dear friend. Our condolences to her family.
Beverly Battle National President Laurinburg Institute Alumni
Very Nice lady I had the honor of meeting just a couple years ago. She was a real woman of God!
So sorry for your loss praying for the family such a great spiritual lady
Mrs. Erwin! Oh how we had some good times @ anson middle school!! May you RIP honey and fly high! You will truly be missed! You always tried to reconcile with us cause you knew we knew better! Love you!! McLendon Family.
Prayers of comfort go out to the family during the loss of their loved one. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Family, you have our deepest condolences. Eddie and Emily Maske
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Etrula! She had such a wonderful spirit and Lord knows she loved her son and teaching. I meet her at a young age and will never forget her. She enjoyed singing on the senior choir. Take your rest my dear sister, no more pain and suffering. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💖
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.