Portsmouth - Ephraim Marion Ferguson was called home on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 to be with the Lord. He was born May 4, 1924 in Fairfax, South Carolina to Annie Mae Ferguson and Ephraim Ferguson, Sr. He graduated from Voorhees High School and attended Voohees Sr. College in Denmark, South Carolina.

Ephraim was drafted in the United States Army, and was honorable discharged after serving faithfully for four years. After his military career, he attended and graduated from Manhattan Trade School as a Refrigeration and HVAC Engineer. He was employed at CBS Broadcasting Station in New York for many years until his retirement.

Ephraim (AKA) EM, and Fergie was married toThelma Anderson and from this union, a son was born, Ephraim Fergusson III, of Snow Hill, North Carolina. During the marriage they traveled extensively on cross country trips, and on cruises to Alaska, Spain, Hawaii, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. They resided in Connecticut and New York for over 50 years until they relocated to Portsmouth after he retired.

While living in New York, EM joined Rush Temple AME Zion Church on December 6, 197, where he was an active member of Steward Board #1, Class Leader #2, and central treasurer. In 1998 Ephraim joined St. Thomas AME Zion Church, where he was an active member of the Steward Board.

He is predeceased by his wife Thelma A. Ferguson, a brother, Rufus Ferguson, two sisters, Lottie Mae Hill and Annie Lee Brunson. Ephraim leaves to cherish his memory his son Ephraim Ferguson III; nieces, Joyce Hill Williams, Doloros Hill Burgos, Donna Brunson Norman, and Patricia Highsmith; brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, Milford and Thelma Anderson and host of friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday , May 11, 2016 at St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church. Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.