April 25, 2026, 86, Columbia, SC – Mrs. Nellie Deans Ervin, age 86, of Columbia, South Carolina, formerly of Dudley, North Carolina, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Saturday April 25, 2026.
Mrs. Ervin was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to the late William Junior Deans and Naomi Clark Deans. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stewart Ervin; her daughter, Angela Howell; and her brother George Deans.
Mrs. Ervin was a cashier with Food Lion, where she truly enjoyed interacting and building relationships with her customers. She was known for her warm personality and her genuine love for people. A wonderful cook, she was especially known for making some of the best fried chicken around. She also found great joy in gardening, spending time at the beach particularly the Outer Banks of North Carolina and, most importantly, cherishing every moment with her family. Her life was guided by a simple but meaningful principle: family always came first.
She is survived by her son, William M. Ervin; her daughters-in-law; Linda Ervin, Melisa Banegas and Rosa Peguero. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Gilbert (Mike), Rebecca Jones (Daniel), Brenda Brady (Justin), Naomi Ervin, Maite Peguero, Gabriella Ervin, Jareth Ervin, Cesar Banegas, Kaleb Velasquez and Kylie Velasquez.
Her legacy continues through her many great-grandchildren, including Jillian Pearce, Nicholas Williams, Kimber Scott (Austin), Courtney Williams, Christopher Williams, Christian Gilbert, Rowan Gilbert, Harrison Gilbert, Kylie Atkinson (Jonathan), Leigha Atkinson, Macie Atkinson, Novalee Jones, Lillian Brady, Landon Brady, and Rebecca Brady, as well as one great-great-grandchild, Theo Scott.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home in Dudley, with Reverend Donald Massey officiating. Interment will follow at Brogden Chapel Church Cemetery in Dudley.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Ervin family.
Mrs. Ervin will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to her family, and the love she shared so freely with all who knew her.
