James A. Yerby

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

James Alonzo Yerby was born January 7, 1929 in Remo, Virginia to the late William Alfred Yerby and Julia Lela Taylor of Remo, Virginia.  He received his early childhood education in the public school system in Northumberland County Virginia.

At the age of 93, Alonzo answered the Master’s call to come on home.  He transitioned from labor to reward on August 1, 2022 at 1:20 ante meridiem at the Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC,

In October 17, 1950, he was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Earnestine Nickens.  He worked very hard to provide for his family.  The jobs were seasonal, the work was hard and the hours were long.  In 1962, Alonzo moved to Washington, DC looking for a better opportunity.   Shortly thereafter he moved his family from Virginia to DC.  He worked several jobs before taking a job at the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company where he stayed for more than 30 years, retiring in 1992.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Wicomico Church, Virginia.  In unity with his wife, he also worshipped at the Willie Chapel Baptist Church in Lancaster, Virginia.  Upon relocating to Washington, DC he joined the Saint Mary Baptist Church under the watchful eye of Reverend Dr. Louis McCombs, where he served in many positions.  He loved to sing and was a member of the many choirs in Saint Mary’s.  One of his favorite songs was “I’ll Go “which he would often sing as part of his testimony.  He served as a trustee for many years before he was called to be ordained as deacon and he took that calling very seriously and served in that capacity until his death.

His passion was the Food Ministry which he co-chaired with his wife for close to 20 years.  He found much joy in serving the people in the church and surroundings areas.  Even after the ministry was suspended due to covid, he still found ways to get food to provide for people in the neighborhood.  He was active in that capacity and found food to distribute up to and until the week of his hospitalization. His presence in the community will be sorely missed.

He leaves to mourn his transition his wife Earnestine of 72 years.  His daughters Theresa Yvonne Reynolds (Wesley), Linda Darnell Houston (Thomas), C. Veronica Holden and Vanessa Arlene Yerby.  Grand children, Thomas Jackson Houston (Stacy), Robert (Bobby) Andre Manning (LaVera), and Phillip Alonzo Yerby.  Great Grands Kaylah and Jeremiah Houston and Levi, Reuben and Joseph Manning.

He also leave to mourn his death sisters Lela Wood of Mesquite Tx., Ceddra Jones of Remo, Virginia and Margaret Haynie (Herbert) of Philadelphia, Pa., one brother, Clarence R. Yerby (Delores) of Baltimore, Md.

Others remembering his life are foster sons Jerris and Malcom Perkins both of Washington, DC and Paul Stewart of Leehigh Acres, Florida, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

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