Erner Hamilton

Erner C. Hamilton Sr. was born to Vera Allison and Jesse Hamilton in Harrell, Arkansas on June 17, 1932. After a brief illness on March 17, 2019 God sent his Angels to bring Erner his crown of glory. Erner attended elementary school in Hampton, Arkansas and high school at the Dallas County Training School in Fordyce, Arkansas. After High School Erner relocated to Harvey, Illinois with his sisters. Once he arrived in Harvey he became employed by Union Pacific Railroad. During that time he met the love of his life Octavia Bond and they married on January 17, 1953 and went on to spend 66 years together as husband and wife. From that union they had two children Erner Jr. and Karen Denise. In 1957 Erner and Octavia moved their family to Newark, NJ where Erner became employed by Sullivan Chevrolet. Erner was always a hard worker who held several jobs at once. He worked for the City of Newarks Water Department for 32 years until his retirement in 1993. Erner was an avid cook who worked as a caterer for Mayfair Farms, Pals Cabin and Bergen Countys Country Club to name a few. He eventually owned and operated a catering business called Chefs Supreme in the 1970s. Erner was a faithful man and was a devoted member of the Central Presbyterian Church in Newark, NJ for over 50 years. He was an Elder, he served on the usher board, he was the cook and the sexton of the church. Erner never met a stranger. When you were in his company, he always had a joke and a smile for you and showed great interest in what was going on in your life. He adored his wife and children. He maintained close relationships with his grandsons, sisters, nieces and nephews. They could expect phone calls from him frequently and sometimes daily. Erner enjoyed hosting his club meetings, family outings, cookouts, holiday dinners and family reunions. He was a faithful friend who would often volunteer to take friends to their doctors appointments or grocery shopping. He loved sports. He played semi-professional baseball in Newark in the 1960s. He loved all professional sports his favorite team was the New York Mets. Erner leaves to cherish his memories; his beloved Octavia, his son Erner Jr. (Crystal) Three Grandsons Nashod (Mya), Alwaan (Tanya) and Blair Elliot. One great granddaughter Aria Rose. One sister Leatrice. Three sister in-laws Cynthia, Joyce and Ann. One brother in-law Richard. One son in-law Bernard and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Erner was preceded in death by his daughter Karen, and sisters Edna and Dorothy as well as many other family members who played important roles in his life.