J.B. Alexander Ervin, Sr., 87 of Charlotte, passed away on Thursday November 7, 2019 at his residence. He was affectionately known as "Strawberry" was born July 11, 1932, to the late Wilson Mason, Sr. and the late Laura Taylor Brown.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years Beatrice Bost Ervin.  In addition, "Straw" as he was also called, was preceded in death by siblings; Wilson Mason, Jr., Mary Tillman, Sarah Brown, Harrison Brown Jr., Johnny Mason,, Zada Woods, Linda Mason Runion, and Rev. John Ervin.

J.B. was an outgoing person who never met a stranger.  He loved to sing, and even more so when he had a little nip, because it didn't take much, and he would be singing a gospel song from days gone by.  He and his wife "Sis" sung with the Watt Family for years.  J.B. also loved baseball and played for many years until he retired from playing.  He watched the major leagues on Sunday afternoons and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.  He watched the final game of the World Series just last month.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War.  He attended Carver College after his tour of duty.  He was employed for all of his adult life as a truck driver and a mechanic.  He retired from Ambrosia Chocolate Company after 25 years and continued to work in various capacities until his health declined.

Although, J. B. had many friends, he also had special relationships with his nieces and nephews.  He could often be found with any of them on any given occasion and they were devoted to "Strawberry" in his declining years.  He always had a story to tell and to know him was to love him.

Left to cherish fond memories are his five children; J.B. Ervin, Jr. of Hickory, NC, Sandra E. Grier (Claude) and Gregory Ervin of Charlotte, NC, Thomas Ervin of Newport News, VA, and Christopher Ervin of Charlotte, NC. Nine grandchildren; Jamar Brice, Lafenechia Hawthorne (Johnny), Darius Ervin, Christopher Ervin, Jr., Jasmine Dozier, Trovontti Gilmore, Demarcus Ervin (Amethyst), Dontarius Gilmore, and Denzel Grier (Kourtney). Two sisters; Lebeebah Salaam (Jesse) of Washington, DC and Mattie Mason of Charlotte, NC; Three brothers; Joe Mason, Robert Mason, and Thomas Odell Brown (Queen) all of Charlotte, NC; Two sisters-in-law; Nova Ervin of Charlotte, NC and Gretchen McCall of New York, NY. Eight great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many friends.