Revonda Jean Ervin

‘Ms. Jean’, as she was affectionately known, was promoted to glory at the age of 88 on January 29, 2026. She was born on May 19, 1937, in Hickory, N.C. to James Alec Franklin and Myrtle Jane Mace Franklin. Jean was the youngest of eight children and her siblings and parents all preceded her in death.

Once she graduated from Hickory High School in 1955, Jean moved to Jackson, TN where one of her brothers was living and she remained in Jackson for the duration of her life. She attended West Tennessee Business College where through a mutual friend and on a blind date, Jean met and married the love of her life, Bergie E. Ervin, Jr., on December 23, 1956. They were married just four months shy of 50 years until his death in August 2006.

Jean is survived by her two children LaVonda ‘Vonnie’ E. Wiggins (Ray) and Bergie ‘Ed’ Ervin, III, two grandchildren Jonathan Dean Wiggins and Jordan Franklin Wiggins, along with one precious great granddaughter, Ella Avery Wiggins. In addition to her immediate family, Jean leaves Bergie’s brother Jere Ervin (Linda) and their two children Jeff Ervin (Julie) and Suzanne Smothers (Grant) and their two children Mann and Murphey Smothers. She also leaves a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews.

A devoted member of East Union Baptist Church, Jean lived a life defined by love, generosity, and faith. She found her greatest joy in teaching two- and three-year-olds in Sunday School. Jean believed that the younger you begin to instill a love for Jesus and his church, the easier it would be for children to develop faith. Jean was still teaching Sunday School at the age of 83 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020. Several generations of children continue to remember ‘Ms. Jean’ as she wrote them weekly cards teaching them to always be thankful for everything. Jean was also employed for 14 years with Oakley Fashions and 22 years with Quaker Oats, both in Jackson, making lifelong endearing relationships at each workplace.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to West Tennessee Healthcare Hospice and especially to a devoted friend and caregiver, Cheryl Fuller, who is now a part of our family. Cheryl cared for Jean daily throughout the last two months of her life, making her transition so much easier. She truly exemplified the meaning of ministry.

We plan to celebrate her life and honor her memory with a church service to be held at East Union Baptist Church on Sunday February 8, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Visitation with family and friends will be located at George A. Smith & Sons North Chapel on Saturday February 7, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. You may donate to East Union Baptist Church, the charity of your choice, or send flowers. Mother adored every flower God allowed her to grow and she truly had a ‘green thumb’.