757.628.1000

Ernest C. Winford


Sunrise: June 2, 1935

Sunset: September 3, 2020

Ernest Christopher Winford born June 2nd, 1935 to the late Effie Winford and Aurelia Copeland Winford of Clinton, South Carolina. Ernest was his parents only child.

Ernest family relocated to Washington D.C. at age 12 . After several years, they relocated to New York City where he attended high school and vocational school. After high school, Ernest enlisted in the United States Air Force serving four years. Ernest was a jet Engine Mechanic on F-84 and F-86 fighter aircrafts and he served honorably as a Korean War Veteran. In 1954, while on military leave, Ernest met the “Love of His Life”, Arlene Moorman. After 2 years of courtship he proposed, and they were united in marriage in 1956 and remained happily married for 64 years! With this union they born four children, Ernest B., Gregory, Valerie, and Albert.

Ernest employment history includes USAF 1952-1956, Cosmetic Industry NYC 1956-1962, lastly the New York City transit authority serving as a line operator bus driver for twenty-six years. Retiring from the MTA in 1988, Ernest went to work for JP Morgan Chase Bank as Transportation Supervisor for eight years. The family then relocated to Chesapeake, VA in 1995 to work his final years at Lab-Corp for eight more years. After fifty years of continued employment, he finally retired fully, to enjoy the comforts of life with his family and friends in Chesapeake, VA.

The latter twenty-five years of Ernest life here in Chesapeake, VA were his concrete Golden years. His involvement in his community was the essence of his life. He adored his neighbors and always was willing to lend a helping hand, he was recognized as the “ Mayor” of his cul-de-sac. Ernest accepted his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in 1954 and was baptized at
Mt. Zion Holiness Church Harlem , New York. Ernest was also a member of the Greater Bible way Church Organization, Brooklyn, NY and a member of the Rock, Church, Virginia Beach, VA.

Ernest was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Effie and Aurelia Winford; his loving son, Ernest B. Winford. He leaves to chersh his memory, his devoted wife, Arlene; three children, Gregory (Sheila), Valerie, Albert (Michelle); seven grandchildren, Raymond, Marcell (Lydia), Kellen, (Kris),Travis, Jamesha, Zoe, Isaiah; three great grandchildren; Tehyanna, Kellen Jr., Kayla; a host of loving in laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and finally his best friend who was like a brother to him, the late Edgar Lee Lyons.

Viewing Thursday, September 10, 2020 2:00pm- 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Friday, September 11, 2020 1:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Berkley Chapel Interment Albert G. Horton Veteran's Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(11)

  1. reply
    Michelle says

    Praying for the family

  2. reply
    Dave and Donna Pendergrass says

    Arlene and family, we are so sad to learn of Ernest’s passing. He was such a kind and friendly neighbor. We will miss him. May God bring comfort during this time. If you need anything, please let us know.

  3. reply
    Albert says

    RIH Pops. I’m gonna miss you not being in the kitchen every week day Morning when I come by the house. Watching you eat your bowl of mixed fruit with Apple sauce and your cup of joe and orange juice close by. And then you’d take the silver spoon and tap the bowl a few times and smile at me because you knew it annoyed me to know end. Well I guess I’ll start tapping a bowl in your honor with a smile to annoy your grandchildren.????????????

  4. reply
    ACW says

    RIH Pops. I’m gonna miss you not being in the kitchen every week day Morning when I come by the house. Watching you eat your bowl of mixed fruit with Apple sauce and your cup of joe and orange juice close by. And then you’d take the silver spoon and tap the bowl a few times and smile at me because you knew it annoyed me to know end. Well I guess I’ll start tapping a bowl in your honor with a smile to annoy your grandchildren.????????????

    • reply
      Jerome and Linda Battle says

      We are sorry to hear of your lost. You have our sincere condolences. May you find strength and comfort to help you through this time of sorrow.

  5. reply
    Sheila Winford says

    As I sigh thinking I am having to do this. Well Pops it certainly will be hard coming to visit the ”big house” and you not sitting their on the porch waiting on your children to arrive and not seeing you till our car turns the corner and you are no longer in our sights to see us off as we return to our home. This morning not waking to the smell of ”Coffee brewing” I realized you are now in Heaven and enjoying your time with your parents, Ernie, Mr.Lyons, and many more loved ones. I have been in this family almost 42 years now, their are so many great memories of you that I would be typing forever:-) Just rest now Pops, and it brings me Peace to know that you are no longer suffering. We will continue to keep ”You” and your last name Proud as we know you would always want~ RIH Pops Love, Sheila Mae

  6. reply
    The Mickell and Peoples Family says

    We are praying for the family.Mr Winford was such a kind man.He always made our family feel welcome.It has been an absolute pleasure knowing him and the family

  7. reply
    Carey and Susan Bunch says

    Such a kind man and neighbor that will truly be missed. Heaven has gained a man with a generous heart. Praying that God will extend extra blessings on his family during this time.

  8. reply
    paul redwood says

    My sincere condolences and love to the Winford family.

    It has been over 30 years since I last saw Mr Winford but what has not left me is the imposing figure of a father that he cast over me.

    I remember his vividly sparkling eyes and that smile of a prankster that he wore so well. He was the classic Papa Bear and for that we pray for great comfort for Mama Bear.

    Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
    To live is Christ and to die is gain.

    We gain a great witness in heaven who is rooting and cheering for us to run this race of glory. He has given you all a remarkable story.

    Cast your cares and concerns unto Jesus who is the Author & Finisher of your faith. The very Christ that is in you – the Hope of Glory.

    For you hope with a hope that is not of this world for greater is he that is in you than any concerns of this world.

    God bless you all.
    Paul Redwood & family

  9. reply
    KMW says

    My grandfather was the epitome of a blue collar man. A man of integrity, respect, love, character and humility.

    He was consistent, on-time, reliable and always had a routine.

    He was articulate, soft spoken and yet commanding.

    But more importantly he was a husband, father, friend, mentor, great grandfather; and for me, he was my grandfather.

    Your legacy will live on.

    Love always,
    #teamwinford

  10. reply
    Frances H. Carter says

    To: Arlene and Family
    United in Christ Ministries, Eden, North Carolina, where your cousin the late Christopher A. Carter served as founder and pastor extends our deepest condolences to you in the loss of your beloved. May your fond memories serve as deep comfort in this difficult. Truly know earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

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