Ernest Belton, Jr.

Ernest Belton, Jr. was born on July 1, 1944, in Edgefield, South Carolina, to the late Ernest Belton, Sr. and Janie Bell Belton.

Ernest graduated from Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C., in 1963. He later relocated to Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he met and married the love of his life, Doris Walton. They affectionately called each other “Whoop” and shared a devoted marriage of 50 years.

In 1976, Ernest returned to the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia area, where he began a long and successful career with Lonza Laboratories. He worked there for more than 30 years, serving as a Program Manager before retiring.

Ernest enjoyed life and was known for his love of fishing, visiting casinos, listening to music, and playing cards with family and friends. He was a devoted Washington Commanders/Redskins fan and especially cherished spending time playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory his: devoted wife, Doris Belton; children, Carla M. Jones (Ronald), Willie Johnson (Kim), James Bernard Johnson (April), and Ernest Andre Belton (Karla); grandchildren, Brittnee Lashae Belton, Patrice Nicole Belton, Karla Andrea Belton, Ernest Cedrick Belton, Shamekia Whitaker, and Martae Whitaker; godchildren, Nykiaya Williams-Brown, Nykailyn Williams-Brown, and Omari Williams; and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his: children, Lillie “Cookie” Johnson and Warren Walton.

Ernest was known for greeting family and friends with his signature words, “Merry Christmas.” Fittingly, these same words became his final farewell at the end of his life.