Obituary of Minister Ernest Pressey

Ernest Pressey, age 62 was born in Blacksville, South Carolina on January 16, 1957. Min. Pressey departed this life on August 1, 2019 in Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. Ernest was born to the late Arthur James and Ollie Pressey.

Minister Ernest received his Early Education in Wilmington Public Schools and later received his phlebotomy certification from Delaware Technical & Community College. Ernest also worked in the banking and finance industry from 1982 up until his illness in 2008.

Minister Pressey was a faithful member of the New Calvary Baptist Church from a very young age, where he began directing the choir. Ernest was ordained as Minister of Music in 2000 under the Reverend Dr. Vincent  P. Oliver of the New Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington Delaware. Under Ernest leadership he directed the Mass Choir, Men's Choir, Young Adult Choir,  Youth Choir and Praise Team. He was committed to directing the choir at all times and did so with painstaking excellence.

Rehearsals were always like an intense work out at the gym. Leaving everyone gasping for air! You would know he was really serious when those two fingers will go up, pointing from his eyes to yours meaning pay attention. By the time we would leave rehearsal everyone was all sweaty like we just left a workout at the gym. 

Minister Pressey sang and directed various choirs throughout the United States. Ernest directed and sang on the United Baptist Convention Choir and with The National Baptist Choir also just to name a few. Ernest sang at many weddings and funerals up and down the East Coast. Ernest was known for his signature songs “My Soul Is Anchored”, “Jesus You're the Center of My Joy”, “Trouble Don't Last Always”, and the “Lord's Prayer”.

Minister Pressey was a very fashionable dresser. He would light up a room when he walked in with his beautiful smile and bright eyes. Ernest enjoyed playing board games at family functions and he loved popping that Doublemint Gum.

Minister Pressey’s   favorite scriptures were Psalm 34:1 I Will Bless The Lord at all times and His praises shall continually be in my mouth..... and Matthew 25:23 Well done thy good and faithful servant you have been Faithful over a few things.....

Minister Pressey leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife,Kathleen M. Pressey; his five children Shariee Sessoms “Nikki”, Ernest D. Pressey, Pauline Sessoms “Paula”, Jennifer Knapp and Richard Knapp (Jody); 9 Siblings, Grover Lee Mays (Gertrude), Betty Jean Mays, James Pressey (Joy), Deacon Jeffrey C. Pressey (Min. Zina), Linda A. Pressey, Min. Jo Lavette Pressey, Jacqueline B. Pressey, William B. Scott (Rhonda) all of Wilmington Delaware and Sammie Lee Mays of  Blacksville, SC; 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins,  two devoted Friends, Eric Jones and Tyrone Larkin and friends.