Frieda I. Ervin

Frieda Irene Ervin, age 96 1/2 years old, peacefully passed away on December 20, 2025 at her home in Cape Coral, Florida. She was snuggled in her bed and surrounded by three generations of her family all singing, praying, and releasing her into the hands of her Savior, Jesus Christ. What a sacred time for all of us!

Frieda was born in Crown City, Ohio on June 19, 1929. She was the daughter of Golden and Gertie Watson. Frieda attended and graduated from Mercerville High School in Mercerville, Ohio. She was employed with Ohio Bell for 33 years before retiring. Frieda started as a switchboard operator and worked her way up through the company. She attended Good Hope Baptist Church in Crown City, Ohio and Sanibel Community Church on Sanibel Island, Florida.

The love of her life was her family. She enjoyed gatherings, meals, celebrations, and family reunions at her beloved Lake Hope. She also loved playing cards and a good game of dominoes. But never play checkers with her; she won every time. Family vacations were also a favorite with her. Her theme song was Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again."

Frieda is survived by her daughter, Nola Kilgore and son-in-law, Colon Kilgore; granddaughter, Summer (Yari) Mendez; grandson, Shawn (Beth) Kilgore; as well as six amazing great-grandchildren, Anna, Eva, Isla, Yari, Ryerson (“Rye”), and Clary Mae. In addition to her parents, Frieda was preceded in death by her sister, Francis Thomas; brothers, Harold Watson and Myron Watson; and many more precious saints and family, all anticipating her arrival in Heaven.

The funeral service for Frieda will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Willis Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Mercerville. Friends and family may call the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Hope Hospice.