Ervin Lamont Donald

Mr. Ervin Lamont Donald, also known as "Erv Gotti" made his entrance into this world on January 29, 1973 at 5:15am, in St. Louis, Missouri, to proud parents James Thomas Donald Sr. and Geneva Donald. Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Thomas Donald Jr.; grandparents James Donald, Tecona (Starks) Butler, Tommy Hill Crawley and Lucille Crawley; mother-in-law Loretta Browder; brother-in-law Reginald Browder; sister-in-law Patricia Madison; nephew Michael Hurt Jr.; and great nephew John Frost IV.

Mr. Ervin Donald was a great man. He confessed his faith in Christ Jesus and was baptized at a very young age at New Bethlehem Church under the leadership of Minister Hosea Gales. He later joined New Paradise Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend George Guy III. He received biblical teaching from his sister Minister Tecona Donald-Sullivan and his mom Mother Geneva Donald-Tillman.

Mr. Ervin received his formal education in the Saint Louis Public School District. He later furthered his career in Business Management. In a community that needed to see hard working young men, Ervin set the example. He worked in Restaurant Management and provided employment for hundreds of men and women, young and old. He helped with a smile. Ervin was one of the greatest in the restaurant management industry. The companies he worked with included: Church's Chicken (where his mom and sister found him working when they thought he was attending middle school), McDonald's, Popeye's Chicken, Taco Bell, Lee's Chicken and KFC. He received many leadership awards, excellent customer service awards, enthusiasm awards and Safe Serve Certification. After he began to transition from his full time career to retirement, he worked part-time with local neighborhood restaurants. Due to health challenges, Ervin retired in 2021.

Mr. Ervin's childhood nickname was "Booty." His mom affectionately called him that after she noticed him trying to look under her girlfriends' dresses. As a man, Ervin moved from "Booty" to "Erv Gotti", and brought life to the party. He lit up dark places. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He had an ear for music, feet for dancing, and a heart for people. His heart was 24 karats gold. He enjoyed spending time with family and was a pure joy to be around. His humor and singing filled his family and friends with laughter. One of his favorite songs was "Baby Hold on to Me" by Gerald Levert and Eddie LeVert. He was known for singing this song to his family members. He was also known for telling it like it is. His favorite sayings included, "One," "It's too early," and "HOMEGIRL, PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!"

Mr. Ervin was a trailblazer in his personal life too. He met and married his beautiful wife Yolanda Marie Donald. They were joined in holy matrimony on July 23, 1994 in Saint Louis, MO. Together the young couple purchased a home. They were the example of learning to own and not rent. Their home was a place where family and friends were always welcome and experienced tremendous joy and fun.

Mr. Ervin peacefully transitioned from his earthly body on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 11:10pm surrounded by family and friends at Barnes Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.

He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his cherished life and legacy his wife Yolanda Marie Donald; 2 sons Mylon Donald and Calmise Hall Jr.; 3 daughters Yakima Donald, Crystal Donald, and Erica Donald; 8 grandchildren Calmise Hall III (Big Head), Rikel Cannamore (Big Eyes), Kiauna Donald (Sunshine), Arreon Hall, Aaron Hall, Ra'Mir Hardin (Small Eyes), Alaia Hall and Versail Kennell III (Money); 1 brother Archie (Janice) Donald of Memphis, TN; 6 sisters Calanthe Donald of West Memphis, AR, Tecona (Ernie) Donald-Sullivan, Angela Donald, Wanda (Ellis) DonaldRamsey, Juankee Donald of Chicago, IL, and Jasmine Donald of Chicago, IL; father-in-law Willie Tillman; 2 brothers-in-law Bernard Browder and Demetrius (Jameka) Browder; 2 sisters-in-law Vamera Browder and Zerlene Browder; 2 favorite uncles John Wesley Donald (Uncle JW) of Chicago, IL and Tommy Hill of Memphis, TN; 3 special friends Corey Spinks, Kelvin Carrwell, and Candra Bogan; and a tribe of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, colleagues and friends.