Erlie was born on September 4, 1948, in Southampton County, Virginia, to the late Eugene and Hazel Peoples Worsley, but was raised by his grandparents, Virgie and Barzell Peoples, and knew God in his heart since he was a child. He lived most of his life in Tidewater, having attended Maury High School and Norfolk State University.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Mr. Worsley is preceded in death by five aunts, several cousins and other family members.
For 25 years, Erlie was the devoted husband, companion and friend of Cheryl Ives Worsley. He is survived by his wife; two step-children, Michael S. Ives, Jr. (Raleigh, NC) and Christine Ives Friedman (Norfolk, VA), and their respective spouses; and was Papa ["PawPaw"] to four precious grandchildren - all of whom he loved dearly. The couple moved to Raleigh, NC in 2014 specifically to be near family.
Mr. Worsley was also survived by one sister--Sylvia Davis (Norfolk, VA); four brothers--Otis Barham Jr., Glenn Barham, and Jerome Barham (all of Richmond, VA), and Rufus Barham (Boykins, VA); an aunt--Doretha Allen (Virginia Beach, VA); and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will host a viewing and receive visitors in the Woodlawn Memorial Chapel on Thursday, May 6, from 6-8 p.m., and will hold a closed graveside service at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 7, in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk, VA.
Mr. Worsley and his wife have been particularly burdened by the plight of the homeless and hungry. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia or The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command.
