Elaine Barkley Ervin

On June 22, 2009, Elaine Ervin entered into the arms of her Heavenly Father. Awaiting her were her parents Fred and Thelma Barkley, and brother-in-law, Bill Peeler. Left to cherish her memory are husband, Gerald Lynn Ervin, whom she married on June 17, 1973, and daughters, Jaime LaRae Smith and husband Lamont, and Ashleigh Holshouser and husband Joey; two sisters, Linda Owens, and Becky Peeler; two brothers, Johnny Barkley, and Fred Barkley, Jr.; and three nephews, Justin and Jordan Barkley and Scotty Owens. Elaine attended Mooresville High School and transferred to East Rowan High School, where she graduated in 1968. She received a Bachelors’ Degree in Mathematics Education from Appalachian State University in 1971. Her career spanned thirty-eight years, including six years after her retirement in 2002. She taught at South Iredell High School, South Rowan High School, Salisbury Academy, and West Rowan High School. During her tenure, Elaine became a respected and adored teacher. She was honored as a “Teacher of the Year” by her peers and a Time Warner Cable “STAR Teacher” by her students numerous times. She served in many capacities in the Rowan-Salisbury School System and was actively involved on the steering committee during the merger of the county and city school systems. Elaine’s most special gift was her ability to see the best in all students. Of the thousands of children she taught, virtually all would say that she touched their lives in a magical, positive way. All could point out a way that she made them feel special. She was a master teacher. She utilized all of the techniques and teaching strategies that came and went during her teaching career. But it was her gift of self that made all the difference. Sometimes, someone touches our hearts and stays there forever. For her students, that someone was Mrs. Ervin. Elaine and Gerald were members of Trinity Wesleyan Church in Salisbury and had been long-time members of Enon Baptist Church. Elaine was active in WMU, sang in the adult choir, and directed Vacation Bible School and the Christmas plays for many years. Services celebrating Elaine’s life will be held at Enon Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 25, with Reverend Kendal P. Mobley officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at Summersett Funeral Home in Salisbury. In lieu of flowers, and in order to assist with medical and funeral expenses, the family requests that memorials are made to The Ervin Family, Attn: Gerald Ervin c/o Eddie & Becky Livengood 535 Lillian Circle Salisbury, NC 28147. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Ervin family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Elaine Barkley Ervin

October 14, 1950 - June 22, 2009