Ervin Anthony Anderson, age 66, of Washington, DC

Ervin Anthony Anderson peacefully transitioned on January 23, 2024. He was affectionately known as "Erv," "Er Bae," and "Papa Erv," by his family members, and as "Andy," and "Big Moo," by his coworkers and friends. He was an extraordinary husband to the love of his life, Alisa, for over 45 years. Additionally, he was a remarkable father, godfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Ervin was born to Ervin Francis Anderson and Barbara Ann Anderson on September 19, 1957, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. He attended DC Public Schools and graduated from St. Anthony's Catholic High School with honors in 1975. He won several championships on the chest team and was accomplished in mathematics. Ervin enjoyed playing basketball, and even though he was not on his high school team, the head coach, John Thompson, wanted him to play for the team. After high school he attended Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts, majoring in accounting.

In 1975, Ervin met the love of his life and best friend, Alisa Renee, while on a biking trip to Mount Vernon. The two hit it off immediately and they have been together ever since. They got married on July 22, 1978. Their union brought forth four children: Ervin, Mia, Paul, and Jeremy.

Ervin always had a great work ethic. While in high school during summer breaks, he worked as a lifeguard for DC Parks and Recreation and as an intern on Capitol Hill. He also had a side business with his brother, Breton, fixing bikes. In 1978, Ervin obtained employment with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier and remained employed there taking on various roles of increasing responsibility and management, until he retired after 39 years of Federal civilian service. Most notably during his career, he received the National Safety Council's Million Mile Award. He was a hard-working man and he enjoyed taking care of and providing for his family. In addition to his postal career, he ran several part-time businesses, including silk screen, printing, accounting services, tax services, and home improvement: a skill that he developed and mastered from his dad and passed down to his kids and others that worked with him over the years. While the businesses brought in extra money to fund family vacations, he often gave deals to his clients and never charged for what his products and services were worth. He saw them as gifts God gave him to share.

He loved to serve and honor God but never wanted the spotlight. As a child, he attended St. Luke's Catholic Church, and received his first holy communion at age nine. Ervin found inspiration in watching Frederick K.C. Price on television, and it was during an Ever-Increasing Faith Conference held in New York in 1985, that he embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Shortly thereafter, he joined Harvest Church International and later joined Shield of Faith Christian Center. In 2011, he joined Victory Christian Ministries International where he served on the Production and Sound ministries.

Ervin was an extremely talented man, he could do anything he put his mind to, and nothing was ever too hard for him to fix. He was a giving and caring man; he would do anything for anyone. He always believed it was important for him to be a representation of God's love. He took great pleasure in helping others and sharing the message of Jesus; his love for people was truly genuine. He was always teaching and telling masterful stories tying everything back to the word of God. He was admired for his love for people, his kind demeanor, and giving heart; these defining qualities left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He was known for his loud and contagious laughter, his million-dollar smile, and his deep affection for God, family, and others. Anyone who knew Ervin was aware of his love for food, and how he always ensured that those in his company had plenty to eat. He worked hard but played just as hard as he worked. He found joy in various activities such as playing board games, video games, fishing, engaging in basketball and football, and watching movies. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He absolutely loved his family and some of his proudest moments were the births of his five grandchildren. Annual family vacations were extremely special to him because he got to spend time with all his children and grandchildren at once. Ervin was very supportive of his children and grandchildren, seldom missing any of their local sports games, school events, or other special occasions. His presence will truly be missed.

Ervin is survived by his loving wife, Alisa; children, Ervin (Kendal), Mia (Nsilo), and Jeremy (Tiffany); grandchildren, Nala, Nsilo, Amber, Keaton, and Jeremy Jr.; sisters, Rhodonna (O'Neal), Zina, and Avita (Marty); sisters-in-law, Beverly and Lori; brother-in-law, William; nieces and nephews, Christin, Breton, Kimberly (Shawn), Brandon (Sierra), O'Neal, Bryan, Cameron, Rholanda (Darryn), Rholando, Maya, Micah, Michael, Angela, Christina, Brooke, Blake, David (Ariel), Stephanie (Vince), Briana (Antoine), Brittany (Anthony), Jamal (Kristen); great nieces and nephews, Skylah, Savannah, Dinero, Skylar, Diego, Zaria, Amaya, Acadia, David, Ania, Alaya, Amora, Zivanna, Zadden, Zechariah, Zoe, Zamia, Avri, Akita and Asha; God children, Andria, Marielle, and Mackenzie; and a host of other family members and friends.

Ervin was predeceased by his son Paul (at birth), his dad, Ervin Francis Anderson, his mom, Barbara Ann Anderson, and his brother, Breton Micheal Anderson.

His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

His Viewing will be 10:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Monday, February 5, 2024, Victory Christian Ministries International, 3911 St. Barnabas Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746.

Interment, Maryland National Memorial Park, 13300 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, Maryland 20707.