Dr. Earnest Earl Sherrod, Ph.D. Obituary in Greensboro at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Earnest Earl Sherrod, Ph.D.

Dr. Earnest Earl Sherrod, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2021 at the home of Angelia Sherrod in McLeansville, NC. He was born August 10, 1939 in Wilson, NC to Solomon and Mildred Lassiter Sherrod, Jr., both of whom preceded him in death.

Earnest excelled academically at C.H. Darden High School where he graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1957. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), proudly graduating in 1961 with the highest educational distinction of honors, Summa Cum Laude. Earnest was a lifelong learner at heart and believed in the rewards of a higher education. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1966. and thereafter, he went on to pursue and earn a Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1977.

Earnest married his high school sweetheart Betty Joyce Cooper on May 26, 1959. To this union three daughters and one son were born: Bonita Shermillia Sherrod, Earnest Earl Sherrod II, Mildred Joyce Sherrod and Angelia Monique Sherrod. He and Betty divorced in September of 1978.

Earnest was employed by the Department of Defense as an Electrical Engineer at Fort Monmouth Army base in Fort Monmouth, NJ. After a 5-year tenure, Earnest relocated to Greensboro, NC where he accepted a faculty position with his old alma mater, N.C. A&T in 1966 as a Professor of Electrical Engineering. He held professional memberships with some of the world’s largest technical organizations to include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and American Society of Electrical Engineers (ASEE). Additionally, he served in the U.S. Air Force ROTC.

Earnest pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Chapter on the campus of N.C. A&T University. He was an active member of the fraternity throughout his college years and beyond. He was a huge sports fan and his all-time favorite sports team was the N.C. A&T Aggies. Earnest held season tickets for both Aggie’s football and basketball teams. He was also known to bring his grandchildren or children with him to some of the games. Earnest loved to cook and grille. Some of his best dishes were his whole chicken, steak and his world-famous Thanksgiving turkey. Earnest retired in 2000 with over 30 years of service from N.C. A&T. He continued to support the Aggies in retirement by regularly attending basketball and football games.

Earnest is preceded in death by his sisters Anne Taylor and Welter Sherrod-Honey.

Earnest is survived by his ex-wife and friend of over 25 years Betty J. Sherrod of Greensboro, NC; three daughters, Bonita S. Sherrod, Mildred J. Sherrod both of Greensboro, NC and Angelia M. Sherrod of McLeansville, NC; one son Earnest E. Sherrod, II and daughter-in-law Cassandra Sherrod II of Laurel, MD; two brothers, Otis L. (Mary) and Michael A. Sherrod both of Wilson, NC; two sisters Joann Sherrod-Best and Tisha M. Thompson; one grandson, Adonis O. Sherrod; four granddaughters, Ashley C., Chanel N., Ariel M. Sheares and Jadyn A. Sherrod; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

His Celebration of life service will be on Saturday, December 11, 2021 in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Visitation is at 12:30 pm and the service will begin at 1 pm.

Burial will follow at Forest Lakeview Memorial Park,3600 North O'Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

My sincere condolences to the Sherrod Family! Mischelle S.Thompson and Thompson Family

Sorry forgot to add name Pam Wooten-Spencer

My condolences to the Sherrod family. It was a joy to work with him in the Department of Electrical Engineering at A&T. I was my first job after graduating form there.

Professor Sherrod is totally awesome! Still

Wishing the Sherrod Family many Blessings. The Class of 1971 of Darden and Fike High Schools of Wilson, N.C. would like to acknowledge Dr. Sherrod and to let our Classmate Otis Sherrod know that we are thinking of him and the Family. J.C. Stewart and the Class of 1971 in Wilson, North Carolina

Sending many Blessings to the Sherrod Family. I have filled you with the Spirit of God with talents, skills, abilities and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. Exodus 31:3
The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
Jacinthia Stewart and the Christian Family Class of 1971

My deepest condolences to the Sherrod family. Dr. Sherrod gave us great direction that will never be forgotten. He was the classic image of what an HBCU Professor should be. Always teaching, guiding, encouraging the very best from each student. He will certainly be missed.

My deepest condolence to the Sherrod family. Prof Sherrod will be in our hearts, minds, and stories forever.
I remember when the entire class failed one of his exams for a minus sign, or a few decimals point off on a number. So we asked if he would give us partial credit. Professor Sherrod politely turned around from the chalkboard and said partial credit is what blew up the space shuttle. So the entire class lowered our heads because we knew Ron McNair was his chapter brother and was killed in that shuttle explosion weeks before.

My deepest and sincere condolence s go out to Dr. Sherrod's family. He was one of my most beloved professors and he was an advisor for my Master's degree. He was indeed a bright light to many.

My sincere condolences to the family! Dr. Sherrod was my advisor when I arrived at A&T in 1993. He was my first introduction to Electrical Engineering. Aggie Pride!

My sincere condolences. Jeff Roberts

To the Sherrod Family, l extend sympathy to each of you. My heart is heavy. The passing of your love one affects me personally. I remember the great brotherly love in the Mu Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity - forgettable times.
Tedd Little 3 MU PSI 58 Pastor (Ret) trl2413@cox.net 757 536-5195

My sincere condolences to the Sherrod Family. Luckly, Mr Sherrod was my advisor when I came to A&T. I also found I knew his whole family since I was from Wilson, NC. RIP my friend
Andre Winstead

My sincere condolences to the Sherrod Family. Praying for your strength, comfort and wisdom for the days ahead. Karen Jordan

My deepest condolences to the Sherrod family. We will certainly miss Mr. Sherrod's wisdom, sense of humor, and Aggie Pride! Praying for God's comfort and strength for his family. Peace and blessings, Victor Clark and family

Sherrod Family
My condolences on the passing of Ernest. Ernest and I were freshmen (1957) together at A&T - Class of 1961. We sat together in the same section at basketball games. My blessing. Lewis Brandon

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC