Obituary of Ernest Berkley

Ernest Berkley, 64, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at his home, with his loving wife by his side. Ernest was born on February 7, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Griffin and Willie Mae (Ford) Berkley. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1974. On August 20, 1977, he married the love of his life, Deborah “Debi” Pompey. To this union three beautiful daughters were born. Ernest worked for many years in the maintenance department for the Dowagiac City Housing Commission. Ernest loved being with his family and friends. He was always the life of the party, whether it was singing karaoke or serving up his famous BBQ. When he wasn’t working or throwing a party, he was watching anything Notre Dame Sports related. He was preceded in death by his parents, Griffin and Willie Mae Berkley, and a sister, Joyce Gresham. Ernest is survived by his wife, Debi Berkley of Dowagiac; daughters, Tara Alderman of Kingsland, Georgia; Monique Pompey of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Heather Browder of South Bend, Indiana; five grandchildren, Jourden (Mike) Cook, Tyra Williams, Taryn Alderman, Jacen Worsham and Josef Patterson; and two great- grandchildren, Kainan Williams and Madison Cook; sisters, Mary (Reynold) Blue, and Marnita Wingard; and brother, Vernon Gresham; and a host of special nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. Niles. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, with services starting promptly at 2:00 PM.