J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Lockett, Ernest L.

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Ernest Lee Lockett, Jr., 90, of Colonial Heights, formerly of Petersburg, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2005 at his residence. Born in Dinwiddie County, he was the son of the late Ernest Lee and Willie Crowder Lockett. He was the retired owner of Ernest Lockett Sign Company, a longtime member of Elm Street Baptist Church, a 59 year member of Powhatan Starke Lodge #124 A.F.& A.M., and a member of Petersburg Union Royal Arch Chapter # 7. Preceded in death by two sisters, Julia Perkinson and Margaret Ford, Mr. Lockett is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ercelle C. Lockett; a son, Donald E. Lockett and wife, Arline of Tucson, AZ; two daughters, Gypsy L. Rollings and husband, Gardner of Dinwiddie and Claire L. Marsh and husband, Herbert of Chesterfield; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Linderberg of Minneapolis, MN and Christine Stanley of Dinwiddie; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, April 11, at Blandford Cemetery with the Rev. Harvey Skinner officiating. Flowers are welcomed or contributions may be made to Elm Street Baptist Church, 29 Elm Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

To the Family of Ernest Lockett:

In Sympathy

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me,though he may die,he shall live.
And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.
�John 11:25-26

My father, Leroy Batts "Battinto", like Mr. Lockett, was a fabulous Sign Painter in Petersburg. No doubt,Mr. Lockett was one of the best Petersburg has ever seen. As a child I remember Mr. Lockett's work along with that of the great Earl Eley. My father studied under Mr. Eley and their skill along with that of Mr. Lockett, unfortunately is a lost breed.

Please keep the faith.

Posted by: Battinto L. Batts, Sr. at April 9, 2005 08:25 PM