Obituaries

Earnest Bonner Ephriam, Jr. of Martinsville, VA transitioned on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Sovah Health - Martinsville. He was born in Bessemer, AL a son of the late Ernest Bonner, Sr and the late and Lula Thomas Hairston. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Ephriam and one brother, Patrick Ephriam.

He was a retired U. S. Air Force veteran and a member of Mount Zion AME Church where he served on the Men's Fellowship ministry and the Steward Board.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Deirdre Pilson Ephriam, of the home; one son, Earnest Ephriam, III of Danville, VA; one daughter, Tansy Ephriam-Long, of Pelham, AL; one brother, Kenny Hairston, of Martinsville, VA one step daughter, Raven Ross, of Martinsville, VA; 1 sister-in-law, Brenda Ephriam, of Martinsville, VA; 3 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Hines Funeral Services chapel with Dr. Kenneth Davis, presiding and Rev. Jerome Bridgers, eulogist. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one half hour prior to the funeral and will be at the home at 506 Forest Street at other times.

A public viewing will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Hines Funeral Services.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Hines Funeral Services.