TEDDY DEWAYNE ERVIN

Elder Teddy D. Ervin was born on December 14, 1965, in Monroe, Louisiana, as the fifth child and second twin son of the late L.C. and Callie Lee Ervin. He was raised in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, where he attended Delta High School and completed his education. During his school years, he excelled in both Track and Field and Football, demonstrating discipline, determination, and teamwork—traits that would follow him throughout his life.

After graduating, Elder Ervin pursued higher education, majoring in Economics and later Computer Science at Illinois Commerce College. His early adult years included travel and relocation across several states before he ultimately settled in Illinois. His humility was evident early on, as he worked faithfully in his Aunt Edna’s neighborhood corner store, believing that no honest work was beneath him. This same work ethic carried him into a successful corporate career, where he served in leadership roles as a Supervisor and Manager for more than 30 years with several prominent companies.

A defining transformation occurred in 1990 when Elder Ervin attended a Blast Off Service at True Church House of Prayer to All Nations on May Street in Chicago, Illinois. Moved by the preached Word and the testimony of the Saints, he developed a deep desire to be saved. Through sincere repentance and the prayer of faith, he committed his life fully to the Lord. Shortly thereafter, on a March Friday night, he tarried alone with the elder Saints and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, as the Spirit gave utterance.

From that moment forward, Elder Ervin boldly testified of God’s delivering power—how the Lord saved him from drugs, suicide, fornication, and the bondage of sin. His zeal for the Gospel was unmistakable, and even as a babe in Christ, the sound of preaching, passion, and boldness flowed freely through him. Those who heard him could easily discern the anointing upon his life.

In the same season, Elder Ervin became engaged and on September 1, 1990, he married his beloved wife, Sister Michelle Miller. Together, they shared over 35 years of love, commitment, and partnership in life and ministry. Soon after, he answered the call to the Ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was ordained by the late Bishop Charles Cunningham. Even then, his sound teaching and deep biblical understanding reflected a true man of God.

With a heart burdened for souls, Elder Ervin embraced street ministry—preaching wherever the Lord led him: on street corners, trains, and public spaces. He prayed for the sick, encouraged the broken, and proclaimed salvation without hesitation. During his tenure at True Church, he was advanced to District Evangelist under the leadership of the late Superintendent Elder Louis Hager. He preached revivals throughout the church brotherhood, both in-state and across the nation.

As time progressed, the Lord settled him into pastoral ministry. He was ordained by Apostle Coleman and established New Harvest Ministries on the west side of Chicago. Though the congregation was short-lived, Elder Ervin remained steadfast in holiness and continued preaching revivals and ministering across various congregations. Many lives were touched—souls were saved, bodies healed, and people delivered from sickness and sinful bondage.

God also entrusted Elder Ervin with prophetic insight through dreams and visions. In obedience, he authored the book Visions: Prophetic Dreams from God and published Christian magazines and pamphlets, further spreading the Word of the Lord.

During the final eight years of his earthly journey, Elder and Sister Ervin relocated to Texas. Though unfamiliar to many at first, his gifting quickly made room for him, fulfilling Proverbs 18:16. He faithfully served alongside Pastor Eddie Seals at New Outreach COGIC in McKinney, Texas, teaching and preaching the Word of God as a true Mighty Man of Valor. Prayer, praise, and unwavering faith were his weapons against the enemy, and he stood firmly upon the truth of God’s Word.

At his final place of employment, Nissan in Richardson, Texas, Elder Ervin continued to impact lives—both professionally and personally—through his leadership, wisdom, and life experiences.

Elder Ervin was openly known as a loving husband, devoted father, and faithful mentor. He left a mantle in the hearts of his family that will cover them for the remainder of their days. He instilled in them the power of prayer, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He also nurtured and mentored countless young people, serving as a father figure to many as though they were his own.

On January 11, 2026, Elder Ervin preached his final message entitled “Fresh Start.” Little did we know it would mark his own transition. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Yet we remain confident, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (II Corinthians 5:8).

As a final earthly connection, Elder Ervin was reunited in eternity with his beloved and only daughter, Chelsea Tyler Ervin. Both departed this life on January 24—five years apart. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Vilma Richardson, and two older brothers, Lonnie Charles and Steven Ervin.

Elder Teddy D. Ervin leaves to cherish his legacy and precious memories: his loving wife, Michelle Ervin; his eldest son, Teo (Victoria); his youngest son, Trevor; two grandsons, Noah and Micah; three brothers, Kenneth (Shelia), his twin Teddy Ray (Shelia), and Anthony; four paternal brothers, Roberto Brown (Kimberly), Michael Green, Cedric, and Andrew Evans; two sisters, Beverly and Lavette; three paternal sisters, Brenda Inkton, Shelia Davis, and Stacy Evans; his mother-in-love, Mary Hager; in-laws Larry, Willie, Diane (Don), Cerita (Eddie), Janise, Jamie, Loretta, and Erin; two uncles, Floyd Jr. and Timothy; three aunts, Emma, Pearl, and Edna; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons and daughters, and dear friends.