Mother Deborah M. Ervin, 1951-2024

Mother Ervin was born June 5, 1951, in Youngstown, a daughter of Wilton O. and Bennela W. Dinwiddie Machen. She was a graduate of East High School and attended Youngstown State University. Deborah worked for Delphi Packard Electric for 35 years, and as a caregiver for Iron and String Life Enhancement Inc.

She was a member of Nevels Temple C.O.G.I.C., where she served as a Sunday school teacher and church mother. She was also a former member of Queen of Toledo and O.E.S. Ionic Chapter #37; an executive board member of Local Union 717 IUE / CWA for six years; 1st Ward precinct committee person and a board of elections worker.

She enjoyed traveling, going to church and volunteering, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, music and family gatherings.

Mother Ervin leaves to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her life and legacy, her beloved son, Terrance A. Machen of Youngstown; a sister, Josephine A. (Theodis) Williams of Youngstown; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephewsa including Melissa Butler and Andrew Machen, whom she reared at an early age; other family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry, whom she married in 1990 and who passed away Aug. 9, 2000; and brothers, Wilton, Tyrone and David Machen.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Nevels Temple C.O.G.I.C., 939 Elm St., Youngstown, OH 44505. Funeral services will follow at noon.

Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)